The Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll murder has heard the accused blame a man in Spain for the killing.

Ross Monaghan denies shooting Mr Carroll to death and has lodged a special defence of incriminsation blaming eight others.

One of those is William Paterson, the High Court in Glasgow heard on Wednesday. His cousin, Karen O'Donnell, 40, from Cumbernauld, gave evidence at the trial of 30-year-old Monaghan.

Ms O’Donnell said she last saw Paterson at her son’s engagement party in Cumbernaul Town Hall, which took place after Mr Carroll was shot to death in the car park of Asda in Robroyston, Glasgow.

Prosecuting advocate depute Iain McSporran asked her: "Do you know where he is?" Mrs O'Donnell replied: "I believe he's in Spain to work in bars.” The prosecutor then said: "When did you know he was going to Spain?" and she replied: "He told the family he was going to Spain in December 2009."

Mr McSporran added: "If I were to suggest to you that Billy going to Spain after the murder of Kevin Carroll was a complete surprise," she said: "No."

Ms O’Donnell confirmed in court that she was aware the police were looking for her cousin.

On Wednesday the trial also heard from Monaghan’s partner Jade McLaughlan, a trainee teacher, who said that armed officers swooped on their home in a dawn raid to arrest him.

Ms McLaughlan, who was pregnant at the time of her partner’s arrest, told the court: "I had no idea why they had arrested Ross. They explained I was there because firearms officers were carrying out a search of the property.”

She added: "I've played it over in my mind a number of times. It was very weird."

Monaghan denies murdering 29-year-old Mr Carroll by repeatedly shooting him on the head and body. Monaghan is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of a revolver, pistol and ammunition at undergrowth in Coatbridge and Airdrie, both Lanarkshire.

The trial before judge Lord Brailsford continues.