Three charges against the man accused of murdering an 80-year-old at her home have been dropped.
William Kean, 46, was acquitted by judge Lord Glennies of attempting to pervert the course of justice and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
He was also cleared of stealing £15,000 from Jenny Methven's home in Forteviot on September 14, 2011 after the Crown decided the drop the charges.
Kean now only faces the murder charge, which he denies.
On Wednesday, the court heard from Detective Superintendent Colin Lorimer, who was the inquiry officer.
He was asked by defence QC Brian McConnachie if police had information that Mrs Methven's son may be linked to criminals in the Strathclyde area.
Mr McConnachie showed Det Supt Lorimer a police document and asked: "Does it say it is suspected that Mr Methven may have been a victim of crime or under threat from Strathclyde-based high-level criminality?"
Mr Lorimer said: "That related to Anthony Jamieson, who Mr Methven phoned on February 21.”
Mr McConnachie asked the detective: "What was your understanding of Mr Jamieson's connection to high-level criminality?"
He replied: "He is connected in some intelligence to the Lyons, I believe."
Det Supt Lorimer was then asked by advocate depute Alex Prentice QC if a person could know someone and not realise they were involved in criminality. He agreed this could be the case.
Mr Prentice then asked: "Did you find a link to criminal activity?" and the policeman said: "There is no link."
Mr Methven, who is a contractor, had told the court he did some work for Mr Jamieson and they then became friends.
Earlier in his evidence Det Supt Lorimer had a briefcase containing £105,000 placed before him. The jury heard that this was the bulk of the £159,000 found in the Methven's house.
The briefcase was found in a locked cupboard in the living room. Police also found cash in a freezer and in other parts of the house.
The trial before Lord Glennie continues.
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