Man accused of murdering pensioner was 'quite shocked' to hear of death

The man accused of murdering an 80-year-old was shocked by her death, according to his wife.

Mary Kean, 47, was giving evidence at the trial of her husband William Kean, known as Billy, who denies murdering Mrs Methven at her cottage in Forteviot, Perthshire, on February 20, this year.

She told advocate depute Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting, that February 20 was just a typical day as far as she was concerned.

Mrs Kean told the jury of nine women and six men at Glasgow's High Court that she, her husband and 12-year-old son all had breakfast together on February 20 then her son went to school and her husband set off for work.

She said that Kean ran an internet advertising business and a car valeting business.

The court heard that he returned around 5pm. Mr Prentice asked: "How did he seem?" She replied: "Just the same as normal."

Mrs Kean was asked when she heard that Mrs Methven had died and replied: "The next day my husband telephoned me about 9.30am. He said her son, David Methven, had phoned her."

The jury was told that Mrs Kean and her husband knew Mrs Methven and her son David because they had done gardening work for them.

She said the last time she had been at their cottage was late summer in 2010 and she was shocked by the pensioner's death.

Mr Prentice then asked Mrs Kean: "How was Mr Kean?" She replied: "Quite shocked as well. He was shocked but we just got on with our lives."

The accused's wife was then asked if the relationship between her and her husband was good and she replied: "Yes, very good."

Mr Prentice then asked: "Did he say anything about the circumstances of the death of Jenny Methven?" Mrs Kean said: "No."

The prosecutor added: "The local community would have been quite shocked as well?" She replied: "I believe they would have."

Mr Prentice then said: "The police were making inquiries. Is that correct?" She replied: "I believe they would be."

The QC then said: "Did Mr Kean ever tell you he had some information that might help the inquiry?" Mrs Kean replied: "No, he didn't."

Mrs Kean was asked if her husband had any money worries in February this year and Mrs Kean said: "No, he was making money with both businesses."

Kean is also accused of stealing around £15,000 from her home on September 14, last year.

It is also alleged that Kean attempted to defeat the ends of justice between February 20 and March 28, 2012, by pouring bleach onto a pair of bloodstained trousers, cutting a pocket from the trousers and then hiding then in the eaves of a garage in Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

Kean is also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice between March 13 and 19 by failing to turn up at Perth Police headquarters to have his fingerprints taken for elimination purposes and repeatedly cutting his fingertips and palms to prevent police taking usable samples.

Kean denies all the charges against him.The trial before Lord Glennie continues.

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