Donald Findlay had Dave Murray squirming in the witness box today at the Craig Whyte fraud trial with the former Rangers chief back tomorrow for another grilling.
After a lifetime of fawning coverage over his grand plans and moonbeams it was a whole new ball game for the man that pledged to become the second chairman to bring the European Cup to Glasgow.
Following on from Walter Smith last week Murray became quite forgetful about key events and even claimed that he was barely involved in the deal that saw Whyte take control of Rangers for one pound.
His courtroom language and attitude was also corrected on a number of occasions.
Findlay “The rules of this place are I ask questions and if there is no objection you answer them.”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray “sorry to change the subject”
Findlay “In these courts we call changing the subject not answering the question” #WhyteTrial— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray “Mr Prentice read that this morning”
Findlay “We call him the Advocate Depute in this court”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Despite evidence to the contrary about the dire state of finances at Ibrox Murray tried to portray an image of stability before the club was plunged into chaos after Whyte went back on his promises.
Murray: decision to put club on market taken 06/07.
Says had done due diligence on previous potential buyer but pulled out at last minute— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray says previous buyer was doing a “property play, building flats on what I considered sacred ground, moving stands”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray says prospective buyers plans had been kept from him until morning deal meant to have been signed
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Findlay “So that would be a lesson well learned”
Murray: “perhaps”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Findlay asks Murray about his relationship with Whyte
“I had no relationship with him” Murray replies— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Witness now being shown a copy of text messages Findlay suggests are those between him and Whyte. 10 pages
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray confirms phone number listed was one he had access to at the time#WhyteTrial
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
13 Nov Murray to Whyte “let’s ensure we remain tight on HMRC situation, don’t want any online/media speculation”#WhyteTrial
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
30 Dec Murray texts Whyte wishing him a happy new year
Whyte replies in same way
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
It was an awkward performance from Murray in the witness box after giving the game away this morning when he admitted that the use of EBT’s allowed Rangers to sign players that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
That news, given under oath, followed on from former Finance Chief Donald McIntyre admitting yesterday that the club had received the bill for the wee tax case in November 2010- four months before they told the SFA that there were no overdue tax payables in order to be granted a licence to play in Champions League qualifiers.
Findlay asks about big tax case, Murray agrees could be a £50m liability
“So who was going to pay that?” Findlay asks
1/2— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Findlay asks if a £40m tax bill would have been a disaster for the club
“Not necessarily” he replies— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray asked if he had ever discussed in the club going into administration “not in any detail” the witness replies #WhyteTrial
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Findlay asks Murray about evidence he had settled the small tax case. Murray says “we had decided to pay it” but later Whyte took it on
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Findlay asking if any members of the board were “being obstructive” over takeover.
Murray notes Paul Murray plan had no financial backing— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray notes that Paul Murray’s proposal would not have taken responsibility for big tax case
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
Murray shown an email from him to David Horn from 4 May 2011 (2 days before the takeover)
1/?— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
“we need to get this over the line…or the chance of stability is gone” there is no realistic alternative..nothing is perfect
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
“Any hope of future funding is lost….our season ticket and future playing squad details will not make good reading”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) April 26, 2017
