Man named in Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll murder trial 'is in Spain'

The Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll murder trial has heard that one of the men alleged by the accused to be involved in the gangland figure's death is in Spain. Karen O'Donnell, 40, from Cumbernauld, told the High Court in Glasgow her cousin William Paterson said he was going to Spain in December 2009. Mr Paterson is one of eight people accused by Ross Monaghan of involvement in Mr Carroll's death in January 2010. Mr Monaghan, 30, denies murder in the Asda car park in Robroyston, Glasgow. He has lodged a special defence of incrimination against eight men, including Mr Paterson. Frequent visitor Advocate depute Iain McSporran, prosecuting, asked Mrs O'Donnell when she last saw Mr Paterson, who she knows as Billy. She told the jury it had been a week after her son's engagement party, which took place after the shooting of Mr Carroll. Mrs O'Donnell said Mr Paterson was a frequent visitor to her home and often phoned and texted her. Mr McSporran asked if she knew where he was, to which Mrs O'Donnell replied: "I believe he's in Spain to work in bars." She said he had told the family he was going to Spain in December 2009. Mrs O'Donnell was asked if Mr Paterson had ever gone abroad before, and replied that he had gone to Australia for a year in 2002. Murder charge The prosecutor asked if it was "obvious" that Mr Paterson had "fled the country to stay away for as long as possible". Mrs O'Donnell replied: "No, not in my opinion." She said she did not know when Mr Patterson was expected to return, and said she was aware that police were looking for him in connection with a charge of murder. It is alleged that while masked and acting with others, Mr Monaghan murdered 29-year-old Mr Carroll by repeatedly discharging loaded handguns at him, shooting him on the head and body. Mr Monaghan is accused of - while acting with others - attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of a revolver, pistol and ammunition within undergrowth in Coatbridge and Airdrie, both North Lanarkshire. It is also claimed a car - bearing false number plates YF 55 EZZ - was set on fire. Mr Monaghan also faces a number of firearms charges. He denies all the charges against him and has lodged a special defence of incrimination against eight people. The trial, before judge Lord Brailsford, continues.