AN ABERDEENSHIRE man today denied murdering his wife as part of a plan to make almost £1 million.
Malcolm Webster appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh to face a string of charges including murder, attempted murder, fraud and bigamy.
He was alleged to have drugged first wife Claire just days before their marriage in 1993 until the day she was killed in May 1994.
Following her death, he was alleged to have cashed in Claire’s 14 policies and a car insurance policy. In total, Webster is accused of obtaining £208,815.60 by fraud following Claire’s death.
Webster also faced a number of charges relating to his second wife.
He was alleged to have assaulted and drugged Felicity Drumm between July 1, 1996, and February 19, 1999, in an attempt to murder her.
Webster, whose address was given as 14 St Margaret’s, London Road, Guildford, Surrey, today appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh and denied all of the charges.
The court heard how Webster’s defence team would be preparing its case in New Zealand including speaking to witnesses.
It emerged today that about 200 witnesses were likely to be questioned in relation to the case.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the trial might not be held until autumn this year, or early 2011.
The case is due to return to the High Court in Edinburgh on May 28. Webster remains on bail.
awhitaker@ajl.co.uk