A MAN has told a murder trial that he arranged to meet a man later found murdered on the day he went missing.

But James Steele, 47, told the High Court in Glasgow that when he phoned to confirm the meeting with Martin Toner, he replied: "Something's come up."

Mr Steele, of Glasgow, told advocate depute Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting, that he was due to meet with Mr Toner at Di Maggio's in Shawlands at 4pm on June 29 2004.

The jury heard that Mr Steele phoned Mr Toner around 3pm and said: "Can I meet you it's Steelie."

Mr Toner then said: "Something's come up. I'm outside Glasgow, the now. "

He was giving evidence at the trial of Douglas Fleming, 50, and John McDonald, 57, of Bellahouston, Glasgow, who deny murdering Mr Toner on that date.

The pair are alleged to have killed Mr Toner at the garden and grounds of the Coach House at Gleddoch Estate, Langbank, and Gleddoch Estate on June 29, 2004 after inducing him to travel there from a gym in Glasgow.

When asked how Mr Toner sounded during the brief phone call which lasted less than a minute Mr Steele replied: "normal."

Mr Prentice asked Mr Steele, who is one of six incriminees named by murder accused Fleming: "Did you kill Mr Toner?" and he replied: "No, I did not." He also denied facilitating or organising his death.

Anthony Nelson, 42, another incriminee, also denied killing Mr Toner or having anything to do with his death. He told the court that he believed Mr Prentice that Mr Toner was due to stand trial over allegations of drug dealing.

However, he denied a suggestion from Mr Prentice that he would have run away, saying he would not have done it without his family.

Fleming has lodged a special defence of incrimination against six men. Both men also deny a further charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The trial before Lord Armstrong continues.