Man faces trial accused of partner’s murder in Shetland

Prosecutors further claim Mr Pearson compressed his partner’s neck as well as submerging her head and body in water.

Mr Pearson faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

It is claimed that after the alleged killing he told one of her relatives he had booked flights for her return to Canada.

Further charges include a claim he drove a vehicle into the sea.

The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Mr Pearson’s defence counsel Iain Paterson KC said: “He is pleading not guilty to all the charges on the indictment.”

Both Mr Paterson and prosecutor Margaret Barron said a “quite extensive” joint minute of agreed evidence was being discussed prior to the trial.

It is estimated that the case could last about eight days.