Charges are dropped in Arlene trial

Published on Tuesday 14 January 2003 00:00

THE Arlene Fraser murder trial took a sensational twist today when charges against two of the accused were dropped.

Farmer Hector Dick and fruit and vegetable salesman Glenn Lucas were freed from the dock at the High Court in Edinburgh - but warned to stay in the building.

Advocate depute Alan Turnbull QC, prosecuting, told the court that he intended to call Mr Dick as a witness against Arlene’s estranged husband Nat Fraser, 43.

Fraser, of Smith Street, New Elgin, is accused of plotting the murder of the 33-year-old mother-of-two and disposing of her dismembered corpse afterwards.

Mr Turnbull’s announcement that he was dropping the charges against Mr Dick and Mr Lucas appeared to take the packed public benches in the courtroom completely by surprise.

Members of Arlene’s family showed no reaction as judge Lord Mackay told the two men they were free to leave the dock. The judge then explained to the jury that decisions to bring charges, or drop charges, were entirely a matter for the prosecution.

Earlier the trial had heard how mechanic Kevin Ritchie, 36, sold Hector Dick, 46, a 400 Ford Fiesta and drove it to Mr Dick’s home at Wester Hillside Farm, Mosstowie, Elgin. Mr Dick had demanded a car "with a boot" in a hurry and had paid Mr Ritchie 50 to keep quiet, the court heard.

The trial continues.