Bomb plot case lawyer found dead

Mar 4 2012

A lawyer who two men are accused of conspiring to murder, along with Celtic manager Neil Lennon, in an explosives plot has died.

Paul McBride QC died in his sleep in a hotel in Pakistan, a spokesman for the family said.

A statement issued by Jack Irvine on behalf of Mr McBride's family said: "Paul died in his sleep last night in a hotel in Pakistan and at this time we would ask you to respect the privacy of his family. There will be no further statement in the meantime."

Two men are currently on trial at the High Court in Glasgow accused of conspiring to murder Mr McBride, Mr Lennon and former MSP Trish Godman by sending improvised explosive devices to them between March 1 and April 15 last year.

The two accused, Trevor Muirhead, 43, and Neil McKenzie, 42, are also accused of conspiring to murder various people at republican organisation Cairde na hEireann's premises in Glasgow by sending improvised explosive devices to them. It is alleged that the pair believed the devices were capable of exploding.

They deny all charges against them.

Mr McBride was appointed a QC at the age of 35, said to be the youngest QC ever appointed in the UK. He was called to the Scottish Bar in 1988 and has been involved in many high-profile criminal cases in Scotland. He was on a business trip at the time of his death.

Mr Irvine added: "I understand Paul was found dead in bed this morning. He had been in Pakistan for a few days and I am uncertain when he was to return to Scotland. The family have asked that they are not troubled at this distressing time."

Mr McBride was one of the most highly regarded and highest-profile criminal lawyers in Scotland and was involved in the Moira Jones murder trial, the Rosepark care home fire fatal accident inquiry, as well as representing Celtic Football Club.

He was a former member of Labour and the Scottish Conservatives. He left the Scottish Conservatives last June after Ruth Davidson was elected to lead the party north of the border.