Legal debate in Arlene murder case

Arlene Fraser: Her body is alleged to have been cut up

The husband of Arlene Fraser has appeared in court with two men accused of helping him to plan her murder and disposal of her body.

The hearing on Monday, before Lord Mackay at the High Court in Edinburgh, focused on preliminary legal matters before the trial begins.

Nat Fraser, 43, played no part in the proceedings and spoke only to confirm his name.

Alongside Mr Fraser, of 2 Smith Street, New Elgin, is Hector Dick, 46, of Wester Hillside Farm, Mosstowie, Elgin and Glenn Lucas, 51, of 14 Station Road, Surfleet, Spalding.

They face a charge which alleges that they, along with unknown accomplices, conspired to murder Arlene Fraser, 33, and dispose of her body.

'Divorce advice'

The indictment served on the men claims that Arlene Fraser had consulted a solicitor about divorcing her husband and getting a financial settlement from him.

It is alleged that Mr Fraser, knowing this, hatched the plot - along with the other two men - between March 1998 and October 2000.

Arlene, it is claimed, was assaulted "by means unknown" at her home between 28 April and 7 May 1998 and was murdered.

Afterwards, her coat, handbag, a box of personal papers and a sum of money were allegedly taken from the house.

'Unknown location'

The charge alleges that her body was cut up, her teeth, jewellery and other personal items were removed before the dismembered corpse was hidden at an unknown location in Scotland.

The judge, Lord Mackay, is expected to make a ruling on Tuesday in relation to Monday's submissions in court.

After this, a jury can be brought in to hear evidence.