During a High Court hearing in Edinburgh, gas and electrical engineer Mr El‑Nakla testified about his crack‑cocaine use, its cost, and alleged intimidation that prosecutors say led to Mr Munro’s fatal fall.
Court testimony on addiction and expenditure
Mr El‑Nakla told the court that in January of the previous year he was taking a more addictive form of the Class A drug cocaine. When Advocate Depute Alex Prentice KC asked whether the drug had taken over his life, he answered “yes”.
He was questioned about the expense of the habit in December 2023 and January 2024. He said he could spend £700 or £800 in a single day when he first received payment, after which his daily cost dropped to £10–£20.
Alleged intimidation and a tragic outcome
Prosecutors allege that a trio—including Mr El‑Nakla—threatened and intimidated Mr Munro, placing him in “an extreme state of fear for his safety”. They argue this pressure caused Mr Munro to flee through a high window, where he fell and died from his injuries.
Mr El‑Nakla also said he had been clean of drugs for months, yet in January 2024 he sourced crack cocaine from Stephen Stewart, visiting the Morgan Street flat to purchase it. He recalled receiving a parcel of crack cocaine through a letterbox on 9 January of the previous year.
Potential next steps in the case
The court’s next actions could include a verdict on the charges relating to intimidation and the death of Mr Munro. If convicted, the defendants may face sentences reflecting both drug‑related offenses and the alleged role in Mr Munro’s fatal escape. Appeals could also be lodged, depending on how the evidence is interpreted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mr El‑Nakla admit about his drug use?
He said that in January of the previous year he was taking drugs and using a more addictive form of cocaine, and he confirmed that the drug had taken over his life.
How much did Mr El‑Nakla say the drug cost him?
He told the court he could spend £700 or £800 in a single day when he first received payment, and after that his daily cost fell to between £10 and £20.
What did prosecutors allege about Mr Munro’s death?
Prosecutors allege that intimidation by the trio, including Mr El‑Nakla, placed Mr Munro in extreme fear, prompting him to flee through a high window where he fell and died from his injuries.
How do you think this case could influence future legal approaches to drug‑linked intimidation?
