Man admits killing pub landlord with car

A MAN today admitted killing a pub landlord by driving over him.But prosecutors are still demanding that Lee McNamara, 24, should stand trial for murder.

Publican Steven Curran, 47, died in the car park of the Dolphin Inn in Whitecraig, East Lothian, last October 20.

McNamara is accused of attacking the father-of-two, punching him and robbing him of keys for a car with the number plate J9 CUR.

It is alleged that he then reversed over Mr Curran, dragged him along underneath the car and repeatedly drove over him.

McNamara appeared from custody at the High Court in Edinburgh today - his first appearance in open court.

Defence advocate Shelagh McCall said McNamara would plead guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide and continued to maintain that he had not robbed Mr Curran of his car keys and car.

He was also prepared to admit driving the car dangerously down the A1 from Musselburgh to Broxburn, said Ms McCall.

Advocate depute Andrew Miller, prosecuting, told judge Lord Stewart that the Crown would not accept the pleas offered by McNamara and insisted that the charge should remain one of murder.

Lord Stewart ordered another hearing next month so that discussions about preparations for a trial could continue.