Court told murder accused went to funfair while teacher's body was at home

In August 2022, Paul Black, 65, was accused of murdering Peter Coshan, 75, a retired Fettes College teacher. Black was allegedly part of a catfishing plot with his flatmate to steal thousands of pounds from Mr. Coshan. The court heard that while Mr. Coshan's body was hidden under a bed, Black suggested a trip to a funfair. Black denied the two charges against him, murder, and defeating the ends of justice, as 16 additional charges were dropped by the prosecution. His flatmate, Paul McNaughton, 29, had pleaded guilty to murdering Mr. Coshan and perverting the course of justice the previous year. McNaughton testified that Black suffocated Mr. Coshan, claiming that he had lured the victim to their flat through a fake profile on the dating app Gaydar. He also mentioned going on a spending spree using the victim's cash. During his testimony, Black mentioned that he was infatuated but also frightened of McNaughton, whom he had known since 2014 when they worked in a gay bar together. Black spoke about finding out about the meet-up with Mr. Coshan just 20 minutes before he arrived, thinking it was for a casual hook-up. He claimed that he was not aware of the plan to harm Mr. Coshan and was shocked when he found him motionless in the bedroom. Black recalled McNaughton rushing to him, confessing to the crime, and asking him to accompany him to Mr. Coshan's house in a panic-stricken state. Despite urging emergency services, McNaughton insisted they go to a funfair in Fife as part of their cover-up plan. Black, overwhelmed and fearful, complied with McNaughton's instructions due to the coercive dynamic in their relationship. The defense argued that Black was not the primary instigator of the crime and highlighted McNaughton's dominating role. The defense counsel emphasized that Black's actions were influenced by fear and manipulation, portraying him as an unwitting accomplice rather than the main perpetrator. The prosecution interrogated Black's supposed apologetic remarks, which Black denied making, underscoring the lack of direct involvement in the crime. As the trial nears its end, the jury is poised to deliberate on their verdict under the guidance of Judge Lord Scott. The defense maintains that a murder conviction would be “unsafe,” pushing for Black's acquittal while acknowledging the gravity of the charge related to defeating the ends of justice. The closing arguments framed McNaughton as the ringleader, questioning Black's agency and culpability in the tragic events of August 2022. Ultimately, the prosecution contends that McNaughton was the true perpetrator, leaving the jury to consider the evidence carefully before reaching a decision. https://therealcrimediary.com/court-told-murder-accused-went-to-funfair-while-teachers-body-was-at-home/?feed_id=76140&_unique_id=66fa15108504b