Pair accused of murdering man after enslaving him for nearly two years

A man and woman have denied committing a murder in a Highland village and holding the alleged victim in servitude for almost two years.

Michael Joyce, 33, and Antonia Gunn, 28, are accused of attacking and murdering Michael White on April 22 or 23 last year at an address in Kyle of Lochalsh.

It is alleged that they repeatedly struck him and inflicted blunt-force trauma injuries to his head and body.

The pair are also accused of committing an offence under human trafficking and exploitation legislation by holding Mr White in servitude between May 1, 2021 and April 23, last year.

They are said to have instructed him to transfer money into their bank accounts, to pay for food shopping and to drive them to personal appointments.

They are also said to have instructed him to request money from friends and family for their benefit and to enter into legal proceedings over the sale of his property at the Old Bank Guest House, in Kyle of Lochalsh.

Joyce and Gunn are also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice on April 23 last year.

It is alleged that they disposed of cushions, towels, and a T-shirt worn by Mr White and deleted photographs of him from a mobile phone in an effort to remove evidence.

They are also alleged to have placed a marriage certificate and photographs of Mr White and his late wife around his body and called emergency services, and pretended they found the body of Mr White and that he had committed suicide.

Joyce and Gunn have plead not guilty to the charges against them. The trial before Lady Poole continues.