Jenny Methven trial hears of victim's phone call

The trial of a man accused of killing an 80-year-old Perthshire woman has heard from a friend she spoke to on the phone hours before she died.

Jenny Methven was found dead in her home near Forteviot in February.

Elizabeth Cook, 80, told the court they been chatting together on the phone when Ms Methven broke off the call to go and see why a vehicle was reversing up her drive.

William Kean, 46, denies murder. The trial continues.

Mr Kean has lodged a special defence of incrimination, blaming Mrs Methven's son or people connected to him.

Witness Ian Smith, 39, a self-employed electrician, told prosecutor Alex Prentice QC that he had installed a £2,000 alarm system months before her death at the request of Ms Methven's son David.

He told the court the system covered every door and window in the home.

He also put in motion-sensor lights around the property.

Under cross-examination by defence QC Brian McConnachie he was asked: "Did Mr Methven tell you why he wanted a security system in October 2011?"

Mr Smith replied: "Yes he was just concerned, more about his mother."

He was also asked if the police had told him the alarm was activated on 18 February, he replied: "Yes."

The court heard that three keys or fob to the system were given to the Methvens; Mrs Methven had one, her son had the other and the third was hidden in the garden.

Margaret Dennis, a friend of Ms Methven's, was also giving evidence, she said Ms Methven and her son were very close and adored each other.

Another witness, Cameron Grey, a car valeter, said he had done work for the accused at Ms Methven's home about two weeks before her murder.

He said she and Mr Kean seemed very friendly and that while he was working outside, they went into the house for a cup of tea.

Mr Kean is accused of murdering Ms Methven at her cottage by repeatedly striking her on the head and body with a blunt instrument.

He is also alleged to have repeatedly cut his own fingertips and palms in order to prevent the police getting useable print samples.

He is charged with stealing £15,000 from Mrs Methven's cottage on 14 September last year.

He is further accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice between 20 February and 28 March this year by allegedly pouring bleach or similar liquid onto bloodstained trousers and cutting a pocket from them and concealing the trousers and pocket material in the eaves of a garage.

The trial, at the High Court in Glasgow, continues.