Craig Whyte jury told to keep ‘cool heads’ during their deliberations

The jury in former Rangers owner Craig Whyte’s fraud trial have been told to keep “cool heads” as they prepare to consider their verdict.

Judge Lady Stacey started her charge to the jury on Monday at the end of the closing speeches in the case at the High Court in Glasgow.

Whyte is accused of acquiring Rangers by fraud in May 2011. He denies the charge and another under the Companies Act.

The Crown alleges the 46-year-old pretended to then owner Sir David that funds were “immediately available’’ 0 Craig Whyte is accused of acquiring Rangers by fraud on an “unconditional basis’’ to make all required payments for a controlling and majority stake in the Glasgow club.

Advocate Depute Alex Prentice QC has told the court Whyte did not have authority over the funds used in the takeover but defence QC Donald Findlay described the accused as “the fall guy” in the case.

In his closing speech yesterday, Mr Findlay told the court Sir David Murray wanted to protect his legacy at the club but was “badly let down” by others who advised on the sale.

He said: “Nobody in this court should be the fall guy.

“A lot of people have come in determined that he [Whyte] would be the fall guy and didn’t have it in themselves to accept some responsibility.” The case was adjourned until today when Lady Stacey said she will set out the verdicts available to the jury.