Detective accused over murder case ‘very capable’

A RETIRED policewoman has told a court how a former detective accused of allegedly suppressing murder investigation evidence was a “very capable, intelligent” officer.

Alice Lochhead told the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday that she was impressed by former Detective Inspector Richard Munro, 53.

The former constable trained Munro in how to handle the Holmes computer database, used by forces in major investigations. She said that she had no doubts that Munro was competent enough to use the system.

Ms Lochhead was giving evidence on the third day of the trial of Munro, of Dunfermline, who denies attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

He is accused of holding back evidence to the procurator- fiscal about the circumstances surrounding the death of Andrew Forsyth, who died at his Fife home in November 1995. Munro was in charge of the investigation.

Two men – Steven Johnston and Billy Allison – were convicted in March 1996 at the High Court in Edinburgh of murder, but had their convictions quashed ten years later.

The trial continues.