THE son of 80-year-old alleged murder victim Jenny Methven was possibly a crime victim or under threat from leading criminals in the Strathclyde area, a court has heard.
David Methven, 58, was named in a police file over his links to a man he phoned the day after Mrs Methven's body was found at her cottage, jurors at the High Court in Glasgow were told.
Detective Superintendent Colin Lorimer, the inquiry officer, told William Kean's trial yesterday that Mr Methven's involvement with Anthony Jamieson, who had carried out work for him, raised the fears.
Kean denies murdering Mrs Methven at her home in Forteviot, Perthshire, on February 20. She had been struck 11 times with a blunt instrument.
Defending, QC Brian McConnachie questioned Det Supt Lorimer about whether police believed Mrs Methven's son may be linked to Strathclyde-based high-level criminality.
In court last week, Mr Methven denied any involvement with Strathclyde-based criminals and strenuously denied a suggestion by Mr McConnachie that police had received information he was linked to supplying drugs and money lending.
Earlier, Det Sgt Lorimer had a briefcase containing £105,000 placed before him.
The jury heard that this was the bulk of the £159,000 found in the Methvens' house. The briefcase was found in a locked cupboard in the living room.
Police also found cash in a freezer and in other parts of the house.
Three charges were dropped against Kean at the end of the Crown's case.
Kean was acquitted by judge Lord Glennies of attempting to pervert the course of justice and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
He was also cleared of stealing £15,000 from Mrs Methven's home in Forteviot on September 14, 2011, leaving him to face the murder charge. He is due to give evidence today.
Jurors also heard how Kean, 46, of Blairgowrie, was "gobsmacked" when told a partial profile of his DNA was found on Mrs Methven's wrist.
The trial before Lord Glennie continues.
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