Murder suspect found covered in blood hours after allegedly murdering partner, court hears

A murder suspect was found covered in blood hours after he allegedly killed his partner, a court has heard.

Alexander Brennan, 54, is claimed to have assaulted Brodie MacGregor, 23, at her flat in Glasgow’s Springburn on August 26, 2024.

Prosecutors claim Brennan punched and slapped Brodie.

The murder charges go on to state that Brennan also repeatedly struck her on the head and body with glass bottles, some of which were broken, as well as hitting her with a microwave plate.

Brennan is further said to have inflicted blunt force trauma injuries by means unknown.

The trial at the High Court in Glasgow heard on Thursday from a witness, who told the court she knew Brennan from her then-partner and had previously met Brodie.

She stated that on the day of the murder, she returned home to her property in Camelon, Falkirk, to find Brennan inside.

Prosecutor Alan Parfery asked: “Did you see any signs of blood on him?”

The woman replied: “Yes all over. He had a hooded jumper on, and I cleaned him up.”

Mr Parfery asked: “He had blood all over him?”

The woman replied: “Yes.”

The witness also stated that Brennan had injuries to his hands and above his eyebrow.

The witness told the court that she took Brennan’s jumper but did not wash it.

She claimed she asked what was going on and was told, “I couldn’t stop.”

When asked by Mr Parfery if he gave an explanation for the comment or who he was referring to, the woman said: “He just mentioned Brodie and that she was a b****.”

The woman added that Brennan told her that he was “done.”

Under cross-examination from Brian McConnachie KC, defending Brennan, he asked: “Did you take it he had enough of the relationship?”

The witness replied: “I don’t know what he meant.”

The witness earlier stated that she would have phoned the police if she knew who he “attacked.”

A detective inspector told the court that she seized the blood-stained jumper during her inquiries to locate Brennan on August 28.

She stated that she later arrested Brennan at an associate’s home in Stirling.

The DI said Brennan had “scratches” on his face and forehead.

A senior forensic scientist analysed the blood that was found in the property and the clothing recovered.

Brodie’s blood was stated to have been found on the front door handle, the frame of the toilet door, as well as the rim of the bath and hot sink tap.

Further blood was discovered on a microwave plate in the living room, a radiator, two chairs, the living room wall and ceiling, as well as broken glass bottles on the floor.

Jurors earlier heard that a pair of jeans had been recovered from a clothing bin near Brodie’s home.

Jurors heard Brodie’s blood was found on the jeans as well as the jumper taken from the female witness’s home.

Mr Parfery asked the senior forensic scientist: “Taking all your conclusions and reports, it can be explained by Brodie sitting on a chair on the left, Brennan wearing the jumper and trousers, and repeatedly striking her, including with glass bottles, which drew blood, which caused spatter to hit the wall and ceiling above?”

To which she replied: “Yes.”

Mr McConnachie, in cross-examination, put to the witness that there can be other explanations for her findings, and she replied: “Yes.”

The trial continues before Judge Lord Scott.