Woman to stand trial over death of Aberdeen pensioner

A woman’s admitted killing a pensioner at his home.

Sharyn Stewart is accused of murdering Alan Cowie, 65, at a flat in Aberdeen in January this year.

Her advocate Tony Lenehan offered a guilty plea to the reduced charge of culpable homicide on behalf of the 52 year-old.

But, it was rejected by prosecutor Angela Gray during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

It means Stewart will now stand trial for murder in the New Year.

Prosecutors claim Mr Cowie was struck with a bottle and “by means unknown”.

Stewart is also said to have knocked him to the ground, stood on his neck and “restrict his breathing” by putting a plastic bag over his head.

She faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

This includes a claim Stewart asked for help in removing Mr Cowie body said to be hidden within a rug.

It is further alleged she previously attempted to murder Mr Cowie in April last year.

Lady Dorrian set a trial due to start in January in Edinburgh.