"Distressing" pictures shown at James Simpson car death trial

The trial of a man charged with murdering a pensioner with his own car has been shown "distressing" pictures of the alleged victim.

Christopher Grenfell, 25, denies killing 76-year-old James Simpson outside his home in Ashgill, South Lanarkshire, on 29 November 2011.

It is claimed he helped steal the OAP's car before driving it over him.

Pictures of Mr Simpson's body were shown during the first day of the trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Mr Grenfell is accused of helping to steal Mr Simpson's Land Rover Discovery from outside his home.

It is claimed that he struck the OAP and repeatedly drove the 4x4 over his body leaving him so severely injured that he died.

On Friday, the only witness called was scenes of crime examiner Cheryl Nixon.

Prosecutor Andrew Stewart QC took Ms Nixon through a series of photos taken after the death.

These included some of the late pensioner which Mr Stewart said the jury may find "distressing".

He added: "We will hear evidence that this is the body of Mr Simpson in the position that it was found."

Mr Grenfell was joined in the dock by co-accused William MacVicar.

The 24-year-old - who does not face the murder allegation - is accused of acting with Mr Grenfell and others to conspire to carry out car thefts.

The alleged plot includes a claim that they broke into Mr Simpson's home and stole a set of keys before taking the Land Rover.

Mr Grenfell and Mr MacVicar are also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

They deny the charges against them. The trial, before Judge Lord Burns, continues.