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Millar allegedly “bragged” to cell mate     13/5/13

A man allegedly claimed he was involved in the killing of a teenage boy in the Western Isles, a court heard.

Stefan Millar was said to have "bragged" to cell-mate Dominic Long while they were both in Porterfield Prison in Inverness.

The evidence was today heard at the trial of Millar and Johnathan MacKinnon, both of Lewis, at the High Court in Glasgow.

The pair - both 22 - are charged with the murder of Liam Aitchison in Steinish, on the outskirts of Stornoway, on November 23rd, 2011.

It is claimed the 16 year-old was struck on the head and body with a knife and bottle as well having his head stamped upon.

Mr Long today appeared from custody to give evidence.

Prosecutor Iain McSporran asked the 17 year-old if one of the accused had said something to him while in Porterfield.

Mr Long said "Stefan", but then added: "I don't want anything to do with this."

The witness repeatedly insisted he could not remember what was said to him.

Mr McSporran asked: "Why would you have told police about something a murder suspect had told you?"

Mr Long: "Because it's wrong - the murder."

The advocate depute then showed the teenager a photo of Mr Aitchison's dead body.

Mr McSporran said: "That's Liam Aitchison - he was 16. That glimpse you caught showed the right mess he was in.”

The prosecutor pointed to Norrie Aitchison sitting in the public benches in court, the prosecutor added: "That is his father (in court). So, what did Stefan tell you?"

Mr Long: "He told me that he killed him."

The witness claimed he was told how "they had taken him up to an abandoned place and they killed him."

The trial had previously heard how Mr Aitchison's corpse was discovered in a derelict building in Steinish.

Mr McSporran asked how the killing was supposed to have happened and Mr Long replied: "stabbed."

Mr Long later claimed it was the second day he had been together with Millar in prison that he allegedly made the comment.

Millar's QC Frances McMenamin asked: "So, it is the second day and he confesses to you?"

The witness: "I think it was more a brag. I would not say confess."

MacKinnon and Millar deny murder.

The trial, before Judge Lord Kinclaven, continues.