Scottish man who ‘burned partner to death in car’ unfit for trial

A man accused of murdering his former partner by locking her in a car and setting her on fire is unfit to stand trial, a court was told today.

Forty-seven-year-old Kevin Marks, who is also known as Kevin McFaulds, is charged with driving Ann Drummond to a remote location near to Drumcross Farm, Drrumcross Road, Bathgate, on June 25 last year,

It is alleged that Marks parked his car in such a way that Ann could not open the passenger door, then repeatedly struck her on the head with a brick, poured petrol over her head and body, locked her in the car and ignited it.

The 47-year-old mum died two days later at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary, on June 25 last year.

Ann Drummond died after the car was set on fire near Drumcross Farm in Bathgate.

The alarm was raised by a a farm worker who spotted the car blazing.

At the High Court in Glasgow defence QC Shelagh McCall said: “Mr Marks is unfit for trial and unfit to tender a plea. He is currently subject to a treatment order at the State Hospital.”

Judge Lady Stacey ruled that Marks was unfit to stand trial after seeing reports from psychiatrists.

She told him: “Mr Marks we won't have a trial due to your condition, instead we will have an examination of facts.”

This will be held at the High Court in Edinburgh on August 24.

Prosecutor Alan Cameron said: “At the examination of facts we intend to hear statements made by Ms Drummond shortly before her death to emergency services and statements made by her days before.”

Marks is also accused of shouting, swearing and acting in an aggressive manner and uttering offensive and indecent remarks towards his 94-year-old grandmother Mary McDonnell and his aunt Trina Milne at a house in Kirk Road, Bathgate, on June 24, last year.

He is also alleged to have assaulted Thomas O'Hara by pushing him on the body at the Glenmavis Tavern, in Bathgate or June 24, 2019. He is also accused of refusing to leave the premises when asked to do so and repeatedly struck a door with a dog lead.

Lady Stacey made a temporary compulsion ordering Marks to remain at the State Hospital for treatment.