Woman admits killing Aberdeen pensioner but faces New Year murder trial

A woman yesterday admitted killing a pensioner at his home in Aberdeen.

Sharyn Stewart is accused of murdering Alan Cowie, 65, at a flat in the city’s Tillydrone area in January this year.

Her advocate Tony Lenehan offered a guilty plea to the reduced charge of culpable homicide on behalf of the 52-year-old.

That was rejected by prosecutor Angela Gray during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

It means Stewart will now stand trial for murder in the New Year.

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Prosecutors claim Mr Cowie was struck with a bottle and “by means unknown”.

Stewart is also said to have knocked him to the ground, stood on his neck and “restricted his breathing” by putting a plastic bag over his head.

She faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, which includes a claim Stewart asked for help in removing Mr Cowie’s body, which is said to have been hidden within a rug.

It is further alleged she previously attempted to murder Mr Cowie in April last year.

Lady Dorrian set a trial due to start in January at the High Court in Edinburgh.