Woman admits stabbing broker to death

Alan Bennett, 56, was allegedly stabbed to death in a city centre lane after leaving colleagues at Aberdeen's Frigate Bar on 30 May last year.

Paul Balgowan and Julie Carroll, both 24, were claimed to have lured the insurance broker to his death with the promise of sex.

It was claimed they assaulted, robbed then murdered the married man, whose body was discovered on Oldmill Road.

The pair were further accused of conspiracy to assault and rob other men during acts of prostitution.

The pair denied the charges and went on trial for murder at the High Court in Aberdeen.

Yesterday Carroll admitted a reduced charge of culpable homicide, which was accepted by the Crown. She was cleared of all other charges.

The change of plea followed evidence from Balgowan's brother Barry, who claimed Balgowan had "taken the rap" for his girlfriend, Carroll.

The court heard that Barry Balgowan had received a letter from prison from his brother.

Mr Balgowan said: "He thought he was in love and was sticking up for the girlfriend."

The court heard the businessman died from a stab wound to the heart.

Dr James Grieve, the pathologist who examined Mr Bennett's body, said his heart was pierced by a blade driven between his ribs.

He said that a wound found on Mr Bennett's chest was so deep that it went into the aorta and pulmonary artery of the heart. The other wounds were on his arm, leg, back, chest and armpit.

He said the knife found near the scene could have been used to inflict the six stab wounds that caused his death.

The case was adjourned until today.