Claim of self-defence in Dundee double murder case

Robert Stratton, 43, denies murder and has lodged a special defence.

Published 22nd Jun 2017

A man accused of a double murder in Dundee claims he was acting in self defence.

Robert Stratton, 43, is alleged to have to murdered cousins 43-year-old Julie McCash and David Sorrie, 32, by striking them on the body with a knife at Drumlanrig Drive, Dundee, on February 26, 2017.

He denies committing the murders, but accepts he was responsible for their deaths.

His defence QC Brian McConnachie said: “A joint minute will be prepared for the trial showing the cause of the deaths and that Mr Stratton is responsible for the deaths.

“He is pleading not guilty and a special defence of self defence has been lodged.”

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC added: “This will say that the accused struck both the deceased with a knife and caused their deaths.”

Stratton is also accused of attempting to murder Wendy McKinney by running towards her while brandishing two knives.

He is also charged with assaulting his partner Lee Kinney.

Stratton denies all the charges against him.

Judge Lord Burns fixed trial for September in the High Court in Edinburgh. It is expected to last five or six days