Brother admits statement changes

Jodi Jones was murdered in woodland near her home last year

The brother of Jodi Jones murder accused Luke Mitchell has admitted that he changed his story about his movements on the day she died.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard Shane Mitchell, 23, told police there were "errors" in a statement he gave them.

Mr Mitchell said on the day Jodi died that he got home at 1540 GMT, but four days later he changed his mind and said he arrived between 1655 and 1700 GMT.

Luke Mitchell denies murdering Jodi on 30 June, 2003 in Dalkeith.

Lengthy interviews

The court heard the statements made by Mr Mitchell on 3 and 7 July were both very lengthy.

Mr Mitchell said he could not remember exactly what was discussed in the first interview and said: "It covered everything from years ago up until the weekend previously."

Mr Turnbull asked if he later contacted police. "I think so. It is a long time ago and a lot has passed.

"I believe I wanted to make a second statement as there were errors in my first one."

The court also heard that in April last year - on the day Luke Mitchell, 16, was arrested and charged - his older brother was also questioned by police.

Advocate depute Alan Turnbull QC, prosecuting, said: "You were told during the course of that interview that the police suspected you might have deliberately given them false information earlier on in the inquiry."

Mr Mitchell replied: "Yes."

Charges denied

It has been alleged that Luke Mitchell applied a ligature around Jodi's arms and struck her repeatedly on the head, mouth and body with a knife.

He has also been charged with being in possession of a knife or knives in public places, including St David's High School, on various occasions between 1 January and 30 June, 2003.

He has further been accused of being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin to a number of others, including Jodi, at times between January 1, 2003 and 14 April, 2004.

Luke Mitchell denies all three charges.