THE man accused of murdering a woman out walking her dog told police: "It wasn't me," a court has heard.
Detective Sergeant Gordon MacKenzie told the High Court in Glasgow that 21-year-old Paul Ward made the comment when he was arrested on July 11, 2014.
He was giving evidence during an examination of facts into the death of 53-year-old Jean Campbell, who was found dead in Cranhill Park on December 14, 2013. Her German Shepherd dog Kai was nearby.
Mr Ward is accused of murdering Mrs Campbell by repeatedly striking her on the head and body with a dog lead and by means unknown inflicting further injuries at Cranhill Park, Glasgow, on December 13, 2013.
He is deemed unfit to stand trial and is in the State Hospital. At the end of the examination of facts judge Lord Matthews will determine if Mr Ward committed the offence.
Mr MacKenzie told the court that Mr Ward was interviewed in Baird Street police station.
He was asked by advocate depute Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting: "Did you say 'Okay, Paul can you tell me in as much details as possible about your involvement in the murder of Jean Campbell?"
He replied: "Yes and Mr Ward said 'I never touched that woman. I never made contact with that woman. That's all I'm saying.'"
Mr MacKenzie was then asked what Mr Ward's demeanour was during the interview? He replied: "He was slouched in his chair and and not making eye eye contact by and large."
The court heard that Mr Ward's family home in Langness Road, Cranhill, was bugged by police from March until April 2013. During this time Mr Ward did not directly or indirectly admit having anything to do with the death of Mrs Campbell.
It was also revealed that it was not until his fourth police interview that Mr Ward said that he may have seen Mrs Campbell and her dog that night.
The case continues.
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