Man in court over woman's murder

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A 48-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering a pensioner from Perthshire.

John Lawson, of no fixed abode, was also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice when he appeared in private at Perth Sheriff Court.

He made no plea and has been remanded in custody.

The body of Dolina Maclean, 87, from Stanley, was found in woods near Dunning on Wednesday. She had been missing since 30 May.

It is alleged that between 30 May and 14 June, Mr Lawson assaulted Miss Maclean and abducted her by getting into her car at a Tesco car park in Perth.

Lost consciousness

He is alleged to have repeatedly demanded she drive, placing her in a state of fear, alarm and distress, and then parked at a remote location.

Mr Lawson is accused of forcing her out of the vehicle, taking hold of her and attempting to force her up a wooded path near the Moneydie to Bankfoot road in Perthshire.

It is alleged that Miss Maclean lost consciousness and Mr Lawson then dragged her body into the wood and abandoned her.

The petition alleges he murdered her by failing to seek any medical assistance and acted with utter disregard for the consequences.

A second charge alleges that during the same time period Mr Lawson attempted to pervert the course of justice by concealing Miss Maclean's death.

He is alleged to have moved her body from a concealed area at Whitehill Farm, Moneydie, and put her back in the car before driving south.

It is alleged Mr Lawson then hid her in a drainage ditch in a forestry clearing at Broadheadfold Farm, Dunning.

He is accused of then covering her body with soil as well as hiding her personal belongings with the intention of hiding her death from the police and to prevent suspicion falling upon him.