The priest at the church where Polish student Angelika Kluk was found murdered denied yesterday that he knew anything about her death.
Father Gerry Nugent, 63, was repeatedly accused by defence QC Donald Findlay of lying when he claimed he knew nothing of a trap door, feet from his confessional, at the time the woman's body was found there.
Until his enforced resignation two weeks ago, Fr Nugent was parish priest at St Patrick's Church in Anderston, Glasgow.
On trial is Peter Tobin, 60, who denies rape, murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Fr Nugent, an alcoholic, admitted earlier in evidence that in 2005 he had a sexual relationship with Ms Kluk, who was then 22.
Yesterday the priest revealed that during his early days in the parish he had a sexual relationship with another woman, musician Sarah Howie, who played at mass. The trial heard that she told police she and a friend had found the trap door when they were looking for secret passages in the church.
Mr Findlay asked the priest: "Father, however difficult it may be, is there something you wish to tell us about the death of Angelika Kluk?" Fr Nugent replied: "I know nothing about the death of Angelika Kluk or of the circumstances."
Mr Findlay: "This opportunity will not be afforded again. You have nothing you wish to tell us?" Fr Nugent said: "I know nothing about the death or the circumstances of her death."
Mr Findlay then produced a police statement, given by parishioner Geraldine McGowan three days after the body was found.
It read: "Fr Gerry phoned me yesterday morning . . . He told me she had been found under a trap door by the confessional."
Mr Findlay challenged: "Who is the liar?"
"I must have said that," admitted Fr Nugent. He accepted that on October 1 he must have known Ms Kluk's body had been found underneath the trap door. He said he must have seen it on television or in newspapers.
The trial then heard of a statement Fr Nugent had made to police on October 1. Mr Findlay read: "I have been asked about my knowledge regarding the area where Angela's body was found. My only knowledge is from the Sunday Mail . . . it said a bench had been moved and a carpet lifted revealing a hatch where the body was found."
The newspaper said the body was under a pew but made no mention of the hatch.
"Where in this web of lies is the truth?" asked Mr Findlay.
Fr Nugent replied: "The truth is I know nothing about the death or the circumstances of Angela Kluk's death."
The trial continues.
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