Former drug addict stole gun to sell

A WOMAN has told a murder conspiracy trial that she took a gun from a house in Edinburgh and sold it.

Claire Lizanec said that a Rolex watch, a camera, a cheque and change were also stolen.

Ms Lizanec, 28, told the High Court in Edinburgh that she had gone to Martin Black's flat with Black, Francis Doris and Connie Comrie.

The former heroin addict said that the following morning she and Ms Comrie decided that they needed money because they were suffering withdrawal symptoms.

Among the items taken was a Luger-style handgun, which she took from a holdall behind the couch, she said.

The pair then flagged down a taxi and headed to the Wester Hailes area.

The gun was later sold for 150 or 250. Ms Lizanec said: "It wasn't much."

She later contacted the police after hearing that the owners of the gun were after her.

Ms Lizanec was giving evidence at the trial of Black, 33, and Doris, 40, who have denied conspiring to murder Kevin Martin between June 1 and July 6 in 2008 in Edinburgh.

Doris has also denied an alleged breach of the peace by contacting Ms Lizanec on July 4 in 2008 and threatening violence towards her and Ms Comrie.

The trial, before temporary judge Norman Ritchie QC, continues.