Holytown murder accused asked police for knife back, as it was 'good for cutting onions'

A girl accused of stabbing a teenage boy to death asked police to return a knife as it was “good for cutting onions”. The 17 year-old allegedly made the comment after being held on the day Conner Cowper died in April this year.

Jurors also heard that she was expecting a baby at the time.

The evidence was heard at the High Court in Glasgow.

The girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - denies murdering 18 year-old Conner.

Prosecutors state the 17 year-old struck him with a knife at a flat in Spruce Way, Holytown, Lanarkshire.

Jurors heard how the girl was held by police on April 12.

Officers had earlier became aware of an incident at the flat.

They found her elsewhere in the town - before she allegedly struggled with police and headbutted an officer.

A boy with her was said to have had a knife in the waistband of his trousers.

PC Linda Wood told jurors how she sat with the girl at the back of a police van.

The officer recalled the teenager's mood being “up and down”.

She said: “One minute she was laughing, then kind of shouting then go quiet.”

The girl initially went on to state the boy she had been with “had nothing to do with it”.

PC Wood then added the teenager went on to make a second “spontaneous” comment.

Asked what it was, the officer claimed the girl said: “Can I have my knife back? It is good for cutting onions”.

PC Martin Cardoo had initially dealt with the girl that day.

He had described her as “upset, tearful and quite frantic”.

The officer recalled her “screaming” and he could make out her stating: “I did not mean it”.

Prosecutor Mark McGuire said: “Did she ever indicate what she meant by 'it'?”

PC Cardoo: “No.”

Mr MCGuire later asked the officer was he “alerted to the fact” the girl was pregnant at the time.

PC Cardoo replied: “Yes.”

The trial, before Lord Arthurson, continues.