Murder trial told of video that was reminiscent of a 'funeral occasion'

THE sister-in-law of murder accused Malcolm Webster has told a court that she found footage on a video camera "that might be played at someone's funeral".

Kathleen Drumm told the High Court in Glasgow yesterday that she bought the camcorder from her sister Felicity Drumm who was short of money after Webster left her in New Zealand and went back to the UK.

She was giving evidence at the trial of 51-year-old Webster, who denies trying to kill his second wife Felicity Drumm, 50, by drugging her and by staging a car crash. He also denies murdering his first wife Claire Webster in a car crash in Aberdeenshire in 1994.

In evidence Kathleen Drumm, 52, said that when she looked at the video camera she had bought she found a film of the Drumm family Christmas in 1998.

She told advocate depute Derek Ogg QC, prosecuting: "It appeared to be like a little film. This was my family on a joyous day and the music appeared to been quite sad and mournful. It was the type of film that might be played at someone's funeral."

She told the court that Webster had taken some of the footage and had asked others to take some shots.

The video was played to the jury and showed among other things Webster, his second wife Felicity and their son enjoying the festivities along with other members of the Drumm family.

After the film with its accompanying music had finished Mr Ogg asked: "Did anyone have any knowledge how that music came to be on the film?"

She replied: "No."Earlier Miss Drumm told the court she was worried about her sister after seeing one of her episodes when she and Malcolm arrived to spend time with them at a beach house.

She said: "Felicity was being supported through the door by Malcolm. She could hardly speak. She was trying to say something and she was distressed. She was distressed we were seeing her like that.

"Malcolm said something like 'she's having one of her funny turns or one of her episodes' and Felicity just said: "I have to lie down."

Miss Drumm said that she was extremely worried about Felicity and spoke to her.

He added: "She said to me it might be some sort of neurological condition."

The jury was told that Miss Drumm also had a conversation with Webster about Felicity.

She said: "He told me he was greatly concerned about Felicity's mental health. He said it was his belief she was suffering some sort of profound depression. I was very worried to here that."

Felicity Drumm's brother-in-law David Pointon, 56, an IT consultant with Pricewaterhouse, who lives in Auckland, told the court that hours after the car crash on 12 February 1999, he and his wife visited the pound where the Honda Accord had been taken.

He told the court he saw a patrol can in the boot and a disposable plastic cigarette in the centre console between the front seats.

Mr Pointon said he thought the lighter was unusual as neither Webster nor Felicity Drumm smoked and added: "It seemed a strange thing to have in a concealed yet convenient space."

The trial continues.