Inverness murder accused denies charge as trial begins
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A PENSIONER has gone on trial at the high court accused of murdering a woman at a house in Inverness.
Michael Taylor (71) has pleaded not guilty to a charge which alleges he killed Elizabeth MacKay, who was also known as Muir, at a property in the city last year.
Mr Taylor, whose address has been given as being a prisoner of HMP Inverness, also denies another charge which claims he stole a number of items from the home.
Jurors at the High Court in Edinburgh have heard the contents of a legal document which details the charges against Mr Taylor.
Prosecutors allege that between March 28 2016 and March 31 2016, Mr Taylor assaulted Elizabeth by seizing hold of her body and her hair at a house in the city's Kintail Court.
It is claimed that Mr Taylor repeatedly punched her on the head and caused her to fall to the ground.
The Crown alleges that Mr Taylor then repeatedly struck Elizabeth on the head and body with a "blunt" object before removing her clothing and handling her breasts.
Prosecutors also allege that Mr Taylor bit her breast and that he "did murder her."
The second charge alleges that at the same address on the same dates, Mr Taylor searched through a handbag before stealing groceries, pots, cutlery and keys.
Mr Taylor, who is represented by advocate Shelagh McCall QC, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Solicitor advocate David Taylor is presenting the crown case to jurors.
