Body in boot trial begins

James Williamson denied murder on the first day of the trial

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering a woman and trying to conceal her body in the boot of a car.

James Williamson, 21, denies murdering 17-year-old Leanne Thomson on 6 July last year at her home in Keith, Aberdeenshire.

Williamson, of Tocher Terrace, Drummuir, Aberdeenshire, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice on the first day of the trial at the High Court in Forfar.

It is alleged that Williamson attempted to murder Miss Thomson on 1 July last year at her home in Strathisla Court, Keith,

It is also alleged that five days later, Williamson took Miss Thomson to a farm track near Drummuir in a car and choked her.

He is also accused of concealing the body in the boot of the car so he could avoid arrest and prosecution in connection with the case.

The trial before Lord Carloway continues.