A PROPERTY tycoon accused of organising the murder of a Scottish businessman in Australia is being “scapegoated” by the man behind the killing, a court has heard.
Millionaire Ron Medich is on trial over the murder of his former business partner Michael McGurk, 45, who was originally from Govan and was gunned down outside his home in Sydney on September 3, 2009.
However, Mr Medich’s barrister, Winston Terracini, said his client is innocent of the crime and that the real mastermind is his associate, Lucky Gattellari, who has already been convicted for his part in the killing.
Mr McGurk, who was shot in front of his young son by a hitman as he arrived home, was involved in a bitter legal dispute with Mr Medich.
Gattellari and his driver Senad Kaminic have admitted hiring Haissam Safetli to carry out the shooting, in return for reduced sentences if they testify against Mr Medich.
Mr Terracini said Gattellari was attempting to conceal massive thefts with the contract killing, and conspired with Kaminic to forge his signature and take money from his bank account.
The New South Wales Supreme Court jury heard that two telephone calls were made six months after the murder between the pair, where they discussed a plan to find a copy of Mr Medich’s signature in his office.
Defence counsel suggested former boxer Gattellari, who was in business with Mr Medich at the time, arranged a series of unauthorised loans that amounted to thefts.
The trial continues.
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