Murder accused ‘posed as postman to kill pensioner’

Martin Stewart is alleged to have killed Margaret Grant following an incident in Edinburgh's Restalrig Circus last year.

STV News

20th Jan 2021

A man has been accused of posing as a postman to get into a 79-year-old woman’s home before murdering her.

Martin Stewart is alleged to have killed Margaret Grant following an incident at the flat in Edinburgh’s Restalrig Circus last January 24.

The 40-year-old faced the accusation during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Prosecutors allege Stewart “did pretend” to Ms Grant that he was a postman and had a parcel to deliver.

He is then said to have got inside the flat before attacking the pensioner.

This includes claims Stewart demanded cash, pulled a panic alarm from Ms Grant’s neck, threatened and pushed the pensioner, as well as ransacking her home.

He also allegedly stole money, jewellery and the panic alarm.

Ms Grant is said to have later died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Stewart faces 13 other charges including claims he had robbed Ms Grant previously.

The indictment states that he turned up the flat “under the pretence of a lawful purpose” on various occasions between October 5, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

Stewart allegedly entered taking cash and a purse.

Among other charges it is alleged he targeted other Edinburgh pensioners either stealing from them or planning to commit theft.

His lawyer, Shelagh McCall QC, pleaded not guilty on behalf of Stewart, who appeared via video link.

No trial was set with judge Lady Stacey instead fixing a further hearing for April.