The trial of an 82-year-old man accused of murdering his former scientist wife at a flat in Aberdeen more than four decades ago has begun.
Christopher Harrisson has denied committing the murder of Brenda Page, 32, at the property in the city’s Allan Street on July 14 in 1978.
He is alleged to have repeatedly struck her on the head and body with a blunt implement or implements and otherwise caused blunt force injuries to her head and body.
Harrisson, of Aberdeen, also faces further charges of assault, breach of the peace and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Proceedings at the High Court in Aberdeen are expected to last 15 days.
It was agreed by both advocate depute Alex Prentice KC – the prosecutor – and Harrisson’s defence advocate Brian McConnachie KC that Dr Page sustained multiple injuries to the top and back of her head and the base of her skull.
It was also agreed that the injuries caused to Dr Page’s head were inflicted with a blunt instrument.
Brenda Page’s cause of death revealed
The cause of death of the Aberdeen scientist was also agreed to be inhalation of blood.
Earlier, a jury of eight men and seven women were sworn in on Tuesday morning.
Mr McConnachie KC has entered a special defence of alibi on behalf of his client, who denies the charges.
Harrisson claims that he was at his home when the alleged murder took place.
The trial, before judge Lord Richardson, continues.
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