Mum accused of murder in court delay

A MOTHER accused of murdering her three children has had her court date changed.

A judge has ruled that Theresa Riggi, 47, will not make her first appearance in open court today as previously announced. No reasons were given for the decision by Lord Kinclaven. She is now expected to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh on February 4.

Riggi faces three charges of murder and a further allegation of culpably and recklessly causing a gas explosion, all at a flat in Slateford Road last August.

The murder charges allege that twin eight-year-old sons Augustino and Gianluca were "repeatedly struck with a knife or knives" as was five-year-old daughter Cecilia.

Riggi is also accused of removing a gas hob from its fixings and undoing screws from gas burner valves, allowing gas to escape which she then ignited after making sure windows and doors were locked.