Car thief who killed pensioner is not a murderer, says QC

A MAN accused of running over and killing a pensioner with his own car should not be convicted of murder, a jury was told 
yesterday.

Defence QC Ian Duguid said Christopher Grenfell should instead be found guilty of the culpable homicide of James Simpson. Mr Duguid was yesterday addressing jurors at Grenfell’s trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He said that Grefnell was responsible for the death, but the evidence was “consistent” with culpable homicide.

The 25-year-old is alleged to have murdered Mr Simpson outside his home in Ashgill, Lanarkshire, last November.

The 76-year-old is said to have died while trying to stop his Land Rover Discovery being taken. Mr Duguid yesterday made his closing speech and said Grenfell could not be convicted of murder if no assault was found to have happened.

Grenfell claimed in his 
evidence during the trial that 
Mr Simpson had fallen while trying to prevent his 4x4 being stolen.

He recalled looking out of the open door of the vehicle and said he did not see the elderly man, before driving off after hearing screams.

Mr Duguid said to the jury: “How can he (Grenfell) commit an assault if he does not know where the man is?”

The court heard again how Grenfell had previously offered to plead guilty to the culpable homicide of Mr Simpson.

Mr Duguid said to convict Grenfell of the lesser allegation was “not the easy option”. The QC added: “Don’t think you are letting him out – it is still a very serious charge.”

He went on: “However, that is the charge that is consistent with the evidence in this case. He is responsible for the man’s death, but it is not murder.”

Judge Lord Burns will deliver his directions to the jury as the trial continues today.