A 68-year-old man will stand trial over the killing of a police station janitor in Glasgow nearly three decades ago. Allan Humphrey is accused of murdering Michael McManus at Baird Street station in the city's Riddrie area on 13 July 1999. The victim, who was also known as Mike, had been employed as a janitor at the station for three years before his death.
During a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, Humphrey pleaded not guilty to the single charge of murder. According to court documents, the prosecution alleges that Humphrey stabbed the 46-year-old victim on the body and leg using a knife or similar implement.
The defence team, led by Donald Findlay KC, lodged a special defence of incrimination against a named person, Michael Todd. However, Findlay informed the court of a significant obstacle to the defence strategy.
I discovered that Mr Todd is no longer with us as he died some years ago. It is a significant handicap for me during the trial. There is nothing I can do about it if he is dead, he is dead.
Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC highlighted another challenge facing the case: several witnesses have passed away in the decades since the incident occurred.
How the incident unfolded
On the morning of 13 July 1999, McManus was on his way to work when the alleged attack took place. According to reports from the time, he was seen shouting into Ness Street before a passerby discovered his body shortly afterward. Police officers subsequently established checkpoints throughout the Riddrie area in an attempt to gather information from local residents who may have witnessed the incident or observed suspicious activity.
What evidence will the trial rely on?
The prosecution's case will depend heavily on eyewitness testimony, as no CCTV footage is available from the scene. This absence of video evidence means that the credibility and recollection of those who witnessed events on the day will be central to determining the outcome of the trial.
When will the trial take place?
Judge Lord Scott has scheduled an eight-day trial at the High Court in Edinburgh for November 2027. According to court scheduling, this extended timeframe reflects the complexity of the case and the volume of evidence to be presented.
Key Facts:
- The alleged murder occurred on 13 July 1999 at Baird Street Police Station in Glasgow's Riddrie area
- Michael McManus, 46, had worked as a janitor at the station for three years
- Allan Humphrey, 68, pleads not guilty to murder
- The trial will rely on eyewitness evidence as no CCTV footage exists from the scene
- An eight-day trial is scheduled for November 2027 at the High Court in Edinburgh
