THE prosecutor in the Elaine Doyle murder trial has said there is "clear, powerful and compelling" evidence to prove the guilt of the man accused of taking the teenager's life.
Advocate Depute John Scullion told jury members that the Crown had proved "beyond a reasonable doubt" that John Docherty,49, murdered 16-year-old Ms Doyle in Greenock, Inverclyde, in June 1986.
At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, Mr Scullion told jurors that DNA and witness evidence showed that Docherty was the killer.
The advocate also told jurors Mr Docherty's actions following the teenager's death showed he was guilty.
Mr Scullion - who spoke for the full day - told the jury: "I would invite you to consider that each individual piece of evidence combines to build a clear, powerful and compelling case ... I invite you to find John Docherty guilty of the crime of murder."
The lawyer was making his closing speech to the jury at proceedings against Mr Docherty, of Dunoon, Argyll, who denies murder and has lodged a special defence of incrimination.
The trial, before judge Lord Stewart, continues today, when defence advocate Donald Findlay, QC, will address the jury on behalf of his client.
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