Man to stand trial accused of murdering Glasgow janitor in 1999

A man will stand trial accused of murdering a janitor in Glasgow more than 27 years ago.

Allan Humphrey, 68, allegedly killed Michael McManus, then 46, in Riddrie on July 13 1999.

Court papers state Humphrey stabbed Mr McManus on the body and leg with a knife or similar instrument.

Mr McManus, also known as Mike, worked as a janitor in the city's Baird Street police office for three years at the time of his death.

Checkpoints were put in place after the alleged murder to help jog the memories of anyone going to or from work.

Reports at the time stated that Mr McManus was spotted shouting into Ness Street before he was found dead by a passer-by a short time later.

Humphrey today/yesterday pleaded not guilty to the single charge of murder during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Donald Findlay KC, defending, lodged a special defence of incrimination against a named person, Michael Todd.

The advocate said: "I discovered that Mr Todd is no longer with us as he did some years ago.

"It is a significant handicap for me during the trial.

"There is nothing I can do about it if he is dead, he is dead."

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC also told the hearing that there are further witnesses who have since died.

The advocate added that the trial will be down to eye witnesses and there is no CCTV evidence.

An eight-day trial was fixed for the High Court in Edinburgh in November 2027 by Judge Lord Scott.

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