Former Rangers director Micky McGill became very forgetful in the witness box as the Craig Whyte trial resumed today.
McGill was questioned briefly by Donald Findlay for the defence on Thursday before facing a raft of questions today on his role in the £1 buy out.
While Dave Murray claimed that he was horrified and felt duped that Whyte’s investment plan was reliant on funding from Ticketus a raft of evidence has highlighted the fact that that company was heavily involved in the day-to day financing of the club as they tried to hold HMRC at bay and reduce bank borrowing.
McGill says he did write an email saying “The Whyte team would be mad not too look at Ticketus” adds only referring to “working capital”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Document “Agreement in principle” Ticketus 28 Oct 2010 £20m to be borrowed to fund takeover Rangers,3 years season ticket
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
McGill was viewed as the man brought in from Lloyds Bank to bring some business practices to the club but those principles were put on the back burner to deal with the requirement to stop Celtic.
McGill now being shown email, 6 April 2011, from him to lawyer David Horn and David Murray.
“Should be £30m in account tomorrow”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
McGill says doesn’t recall email
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Continues “Revenue will look at affordability” re big tax case
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
“Opinion required for CW’s other investors”
McGill “I do not recall conversation but don’t deny it”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Findlsy “you knew on 6 April Whyte had other investors,” asks if he investigated further?
McGill “I don’t recall why I didn’t do that”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Note says in part “Octopus meeting discussing with CW re £15m possible facility”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Findlay notes Johnson memo also mentions £15m “Just a coincidence?”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Findlay “You Sir David and others had a clear indication Whyte had other investors”
McGill, “Yes”
Findlay Ever aware of Octopus loan
No— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
Findlay “Did you ever ask the Whyte team?”
McGill “We didn’t seek that clarification”
Findlay did you ever ask Octopus?
“no we did not”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 9, 2017
The trial is expected to last 12 weeks with McGill continuing in the witness box this afternoon.