Detective gives evidence on Day 1 of North Lanarkshire murder trial

A retired detective's told a jurors that he came on duty on November 6, 1998 to be told there was a murder inquiry underway.

Published 6th Sep 2016

A retired detective's told a jurors that he came on duty on November 6, 1998 to be told there was a murder inquiry underway.

Ian Davidson, 52, was giving evidence at the trial of Ronnie Coulter, 48, who denies murdering Surjit Singh Chhokar in Garrion Street, Overtown, on November 4, 1998.

Mr Davidson, who was then a detective sergeant based at Coatbridge police office, was asked by prosecutor Alex Prentice QC: “Did you start work round about 8am and learn about a police inquiry into the death of someone,” and replied: “I did.”

Mr Prentice then asked: “Was that a police inquiry into the death of Surjit Singh Chhokar,” and Mr Davidson replied: “It was.”

Mr Davidson told the court that during the investigation he took a number of statements from witnesses.

The jury was shown a photograph of a car – a Ford Orion – similar to the one driven by Mr Chhokar parked in Garrion Street where he was allegedly stabbed to death.

The photograph showed the car parked outside 22 and 24 Garrion Street.

Mr Prentice said: “Was the car acquired as part of the investigation,” and Mr Davidson replied: “It was to replicate where Mr Chhokar's car was that night.”

The prosecutor then said: “What we are looking at is a reconstruction,” and the former police officer responded: “Yes.”

The trial before judge Lord Matthews continues.