Two Individuals Accused of Servitude and Murder

A man and a woman face accusations of subjecting another man to servitude for nearly two years prior to his murder. Michael Joyce, aged 33, and Antonia Gunn, aged 28, are alleged to have assaulted and killed Michael White on either April 22 or April 23 of last year, at a property located in Kyle of Lochalsh in the Highlands. Furthermore, they stand accused of an offense under human trafficking and exploitation laws, specifically for holding Mr. White in servitude between May 1, 2021, and April 23 of last year. Both Mr. Joyce and Ms. Gunn entered pleas of not guilty as their trial commenced at the High Court in Edinburgh. The charges against Mr. Joyce and Ms. Gunn include allegations that they directed Mr. White to transfer funds into their bank accounts for food expenses and compelled him to transport them to personal appointments. It is also stated that they instructed him to solicit money from his friends and family for their advantage and to initiate legal actions concerning the sale of his property. Allegations further claim that they disposed of cushions, towels, and a T-shirt worn by Mr. White, and removed his photographs from a mobile phone, in an attempt to eliminate evidence. It is asserted that Mr. White sustained repeated blows, resulting in blunt force trauma injuries to his head and body. Mr. Joyce and Ms. Gunn are accused of feigning discovery of his body after he had supposedly committed suicide, and they are alleged to have arranged a marriage certificate and photographs of Mr. White and his deceased wife around his remains. They have denied all charges brought against them. The trial, presided over by Lady Poole, is ongoing.