Michael Porchetta is accused of murdering Aimee Jane Cannon by repeatedly striking her on the head and body with a knife or knives before stealing her underwear.
He is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice by concealing and destroying evidence. Porchetta, described as a prisoner at Edinburgh, allegedly dumped the murder weapons and stole the 26-year-old’s mobile phone, her house and car keys before disposing of them as well.
Ronnie Renucci, defending, told the High Court at Livingston that there would be “a plea in bar of trial”. In the meantime, the court fixed an evidential hearing to determine whether Porchetta is fit to tender a plea. He said his only slight concern was the availability of a medical expert but, given the hearing had been fixed for some time in advance, that issue could be dealt with. The court was told a defence expert would prefer to see the accused at the State Hospital in Carstairs, but that had not been possible so far.
He remarked: “The burden of proof is on you, Mr Renucci given the balance of probability. Given the contents of the reports I don’t know whether you want to lead or whether it would be more appropriate for the advocate depute to lead. You can discuss that matter.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Drug death rate in West Lothian stays the same for third year in a rowDrug death rate in West Lothian stays the same for third year in a row
Read more »
Michael Cavanagh: Man jailed for 25 years for historical sex abuseA detective says it is 'the worse case' she has dealt with in her 17-year policing career.
Read more »
Man Utd 'tell West Ham Maguire is staying and block loan' over pay-off demandMANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly told Harry Maguire that he will not leave the club this summer. As SunSport previously revealed, West Ham want the defender on loan, despite the club’s captu…
Read more »
Predicted Champions League pots revealed for Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City and NewcastleThe Champions League pots have been predicted ahead of the draw on Thursday.
Read more »
Murder arrest after man died following 'stabbing' reportsA 33-year-old man was arrested after a 56-year-old man was prononuced dead
Read more »
Kids mauled by devil dog 'still suffering' after seeing pet killedBoth children, then aged three and 10, were left with injuries while their miniature Yorkshire Terrier Mini, two, was fatally injured during the incident in West Lothian last January.
Read more »