Man on trial accused of Rothienorman murder
Steven Sidebottom is alleged to have killed Brian McKandie in a robbery gone wrong
Last updated 7th Feb 2018
A man’s gone on trial accused of murdering a North East pensioner during a robbery at his rural cottage.
Steven Sidebottom is alleged to have killed Brian McKandie, 67, at his home in Badenscoth, near Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, on March 11th 2016.
Today his trial got under way at the High Court in Aberdeen.
The court heard a list of agreed pieces of evidence formally entered - including photographs of Mr McKandie, scale plans and maps of Mr McKandie's home and aerial photos showing his home, Sidebottom's home and other points of interest in the surrounding area.
The trial's first witness is scheduled to be called tomorrow.
Sidebottom, 24, of Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, denies the charges.
It is alleged that on March 11 2016 at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, he assaulted Brian McKandie and repeatedly struck him on the head and body with unidentified implements, seized his body, dragged him and murdered him.
The trial, before judge Lord Arthurson and a jury of eight men and seven women, continues.