Chef’s ‘black eyes’ weeks before death

A CHEF came to work with two black eyes just weeks before he died in a fire, a murder trial has heard.

Stewart Taylor, 33, told other members of staff in the Edinburgh restaurant that he had been attacked by his girlfriend’s former boyfriend.

Mehdi Menouni, 32, floor manager at Maison Bleue in Victoria Street, told how Mr Taylor texted him in December last year to say he couldn’t make it into work.

He saw Mr Taylor the next day. “He had two black eyes and scars,” said Mr Menouni. “He said that the ex of his girlfriend had punched him.”

Mr Taylor wouldn’t contact police because he was trying to keep it “low profile”, added Mr Menouni.

The High Court in Edinburgh has heard that firefighters were called to Chalmers Crescent early on February 7.

Builder Frank Moore, 43, is accused of attacking former girlfriend Lynsey Methven, 30, and Mr Taylor there – then locking them into the flat after starting a fire.

He denies murder and attempted murder, claiming he has an alibi.

The trial continues.