Lynda Spence trial: ‘Backroom deal’ claim

EVIDENCE given by two former co-accused in the Lynda Spence murder trial amounts to “a back-shop deal”, a lawyer has said.

Paul Smith and David Parker’s accounts are “tainted” as a result of a “grubby” deal with prosecutors, said defence QC Gary Allan.

The pair went from being on trial for murder to the Crown’s “most credible witnesses”, Mr Allan said.

Parker, 38, and Smith, 47, were cleared of killing Ms Spence, a businesswoman who disappeared in April 2011, when they pled guilty to a reduced charge of holding her against her will and assaulting her.

Both men have told the High Court in Glasgow – where Colin Coats and Philip Wade, both 42, remain on trial charged with her abduction, torture and murder – that they were offered money to “babysit” the missing woman.

Mr Allan, defending Wade, said Parker and Smith tried to plead guilty to a more serious charge eight months ago, but it was refused by the Crown.