Troon woman accused of sister's murder hit her months before she was found dead - a court hears
Sharon Greenop's father Derek made the claim as he gave evidence against his other daughter Lynnette
Last updated 10th Apr 2018
A woman accused of killing her sister allegedly hit her months before the mum's dead body was found at her home, a murder trial heard. Lynnette Greenop was said to have struck Sharon Greenop who had “more or less a black eye” when she was seen in August 2016.
A jury was told how Lynnette had taken over caring for the bed-bound 46 year-old at her home in Troon, South Ayrshire.
It was claimed Sharon was “frightened” of her sister, who was described as “dominant” and “liked to get her own way”.
The evidence was heard at Lynnette's trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 40 year-old and Sharon's daughter Shayla Greenop (20) are accused of murdering the mum.
It is claimed Sharon was assaulted on various occasions between September 8 and November 10 2016.
This includes allegations Sharon was repeatedly struck with “object or objects” and had her neck compressed.
It is said injuries were also inflicted “by means unknown” and that there was a failure to obtain medical help.
Sharon is stated to have been so severely hurt that she died.
Sharon and Lynnette's father Derek Greenop was the first witness to testify.
The 72 year-old retired baker said he often visited Sharon at her home after she had accident in 2009.
She suffered a spinal injury and required carers to help her.
Shayla also stayed at the house before Lynnette later joined them.
The court was told Sharon was found dead in November 2016.
Prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC asked the OAP about the last time he saw his daughter.
He recalled there being an occasion when Sharon was in bed and had “more or less a black eye”.
Miss Edwards said: “Did you ask Sharon about it?”
Mr Greenop: “I asked her how she got the black eye - she said she fell.
“I then got hold of Sharon after Lynnette went away and she said: 'Lynnette hit me'.”
Miss Edwards: “Did Lynnette respond?”
The witness: “She turned around and said: 'Tell the truth, I did not hit you'.”
Sharon was said to have then “tried to apologise” for what she claimed.
The advocate depute asked: “How did you feel when you saw Sharon with the black eye?”
Mr Greenop: “I felt terrible.”
He later called his other daughter, but didn't take the matter further.
Lynnette's QC went on to put to the OAP that “people might wonder” why he did not visit Sharon “more often” if such an accusation was made.
Frances McMenamin, defending, added: “You did not go back. One explanation could be there was no allegation made that day about Lynnette hitting her?”
Mr Greenop said that was not true.
He also told the QC: “Sharon was frightened of Lynnette. She had to watch what she was saying in front her.”
Shayla's lawyer Mark Stewart later stated Lynnette had gone on to “become Sharon's carer”.
The QC asked Mr Greenop: “Would you describe Lynnette as being a dominant sort of person?”
The dad: “Yes, she argues quite a lot.”
Mr Stewart: “At times have you been intimidated by her?”
Mr Greenop: “Sometimes.”
The two women - who both live in Ayr, South Ayrshire - denied all charges.
Sharon's other sister Diane Hogg also gave evidence - and spoke of her concerns of the mum's “dirty” house.
The 43 year-old told the trial: “It was just the overall state. It was very unclean.”
She added: “There was a lack of food in the house. The washing machine had been broken for six months - could have been fixed no problem.
“Decoration was just being ignored.”
Miss Hogg said she was told Sharon could not afford to repair the washing machine and that she was “only eating supernoodles”.
The witness - who works as a carer - said she stopped visting Sharon's home in 2013.
She became upset at one point while giving evidence when there was mention of her sister's body being found in November 2016.
The trial, before Lady Carmichael, continues.