11-08-2025
Three men to stand trial over brutal 2002 murder of Glasgow man Darren Birt
Darren Birt was found in the street seriously injured in August 2002, and later died in hospital.
Three suspects are to stand trial charged with the murder of a man more than 20 years ago.
Malcolm Kelt, 52, Alan Colvan, 42, and Marc Harris, 39, are accused of killing Darren Birt in Glasgow's Barlanark on August 28 2002.
Darren, 22, was found lying on the road in Calvay Place, Barlanark, with wounds in the early hours and was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but died from his injuries a short time later
It is initially claimed the three accused shouted and threaten the 22-year-old as well as chase after him and hit him with a bottle.
Prosecutors claim he was then repeatedly attacked on the head and body with a knife or knives.
The murder charge also states Mr Birt was struck with a hammer or similar weapon. The trio are finally said to have punched and kicked the man.
It is further claimed they did previously display"malice and ill-will" towards him.
Kelt, Colvan and Harris face a separate allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
This includes an accusation that they got rid of weapons used in the murder. It is also claimed the trio changed their clothes and told a named man to wash the items.
The indictment claims this was all done in a bid to avoid "detection, arrest and prosecution" for the alleged killing.
This charge lists a number of different addresses in Barlanark.
The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.
Defence KCs Murray Macara, Donald Findlay and Tony Graham pled not guilty on behalf of each of the suspects.
The lawyers along with prosecutor Alex Prentice KC agreed a trial could set.
A continued preliminary hearing will take place in October this year at the High Court in Edinburgh after several legal issues were raised.
Mr Findlay said: "In cold cases, there will be particular issues that arise which are particular to this type of case.
"I have been in constant discussions as there are various matters.
"The advocate depute knows what I need to resolve and knows what I need from him."
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A possible special defence may also be lodged by Mr Findlay in due course.
He said: "This is causing a little difficulty due to a trial from all these years."
Mr Prentice stated that the Crown will mostly rely on CCTV and witness accounts.
Lord Mulholland went on to fix a trial and it is scheduled to begin in October next year at the High Court in Glasgow. The case could last 16 days.
A senior detective also appeared on BBC's Crimewatch morning show.
