Murder victim held 'grudge' against suspect accused of killing him, court hears

A man held “a grudge” against one of the suspects accused of murdering him, a court heard.

Tony Ferns, 33, had believed Robert Park was in some way responsible for a road accident in 2012, which left his disabled brother Mark badly hurt.

There were said to be a number of incidents between Tony and Park in the years that followed before an apparent “truce” was called.

But, prosecutors claim the 69-year-old, along with Raymond Platt, 56, Craig Colquhoun, 39 and Joseph McCulloch, 50, killed the tiler on Crebar Street, Thornliebank, on April 18, 2019.

Tony Ferns died with his mother Phyllis watching on. Crimestoppers

The murder charge states Tony was repeatedly stabbed on the body with a knife or similar item.

The four deny the allegation at the trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Tony’s mother, Phyllis Ferns, 67, gave evidence on the first day of the case.

Tony had been staying with her while doing work on a property he was planning to move into.

The court heard how the mum’s other son, Mark, who was registered blind, had passed away in 2017.

Jurors were also told how Mark had been involved in a road accident five years earlier.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC asked the witness: “Did Mark’s death affect Tony?”

Phyllis said: “Very much so.”

Mr Prentice stated that this was to the extent Tony had a “grudge” against an individual.

The mum: “Yes, he did – Rab Park.”

Phyllis said this included Tony thinking Park had “made the phone call” that brought the car into the street, which knocked down his sibling. Park had denied this.

Mr Prentice: “From Tony’s viewpoint, it appeared to him, rightly or wrongly, that Rab Park was in some way responsible for injuring Mark?”

She replied: “Yes.”

The advocate depute: “Fair to say that there was bad blood between Rab Park and Tony?”

The mum again agreed.

Jurors were told that on a date after 2017 Tony had gone to see Park in a local bookmakers in an attempt to “draw a line under things” as Phyllis had been “worried”.

It was said after “a bit of toing and froing” a “truce” was arranged.

Tony’s friend earlier gave evidence.

He also spoke of being told about alleged issues between Tony and Park.

Park’s KC Tony Graham went on to question the witness about this.

The lawyer said it was apparent Tony blamed Park for what happened to his brother, but the friend added that it was “utterly irrational” to do that.

This witness replied: “Who am I to say? I do not know the ins and outs.”

The advocate stated Tony was “absolutely fixated” on Park and spoke about him every night.

The friend denied this.

It was claimed that Park ended up having to move house because of what was happening.

The trial, before judge Lord Fairley, continues.