A FORMER boxer told a court he helped organise the murder of businessman Michael McGurk because of “blind loyalty” to his boss.

Fortunato “Lucky” Gattellari told a Supreme Court jury in New South Wales, Australia, he played a central role in arranging the death of Mr McGurk – originally from Gorbals, Glasgow – but did so at the request of millionaire Ron Medich.

“Why did you agree to do such a thing?” crown prosecutor Gina O’Rourke, SC, asked Gattellari. He replied: “I think it was a case of blind loyalty to someone I might consider to be a very close friend, business associate, someone I spent a lot of time with.”

Mr McGurkwas killed by a single bullet to the back of the head as he got out of his car outside his Sydney home on September 3, 2009, allegedly because of his long- running and expensive legal battles with Mr Medich.

Mr Gattellari was arrested for his involvement on October 13, 2010, and was soon told by his solicitor the price for bail would be “in the tune of $1 million”.

He told the court he sent word to Mr Medich, through his son, Peter, that he would need money, but was informed none would be forthcoming. “His father could not help me as his wife had put a freeze (on his accounts),”

Mr Gattellari said.

“I said if that’s the case, he can pack his bags too.”

Mr Medich, 68, has pleaded not guilty to financing Mr McGurk’s murder, and to arranging for his widow, Kimberley McGurk, to be intimidated months later.

The trial, which is being held before Judge Geoffrey Bellew, continues.