A man is currently on trial in Edinburgh, accused of murdering former Fettes College teacher Peter Coshan. Paul Black, 64, allegedly conspired with another individual to kill Coshan in the Leith area in August 2022, before disposing of his body by leaving it at the side of a road in Northumberland.
Black, who is also known as Joseph Hillary, has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including murder, theft, fraud, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Prosecutors assert that he used internet apps to lure Dr. Coshan to a property on Seafield Road, where he allegedly assaulted and ultimately murdered him.
The jury was informed that Black posed as an unknown individual when he contacted Dr. Coshan through the apps Gaydar and WhatsApp, intending to persuade him to visit the location. It is claimed that between August 11 and 12, 2022, Black and an accomplice assaulted Dr. Coshan, leaving him severely injured.
Following the alleged murder, Black is accused of concealing the body for several days before placing it in a stolen suitcase. He reportedly transported the suitcase to a layby on the A696 between Otterburn and Belsay, where he attempted to dig a grave. The remains were ultimately left against a wall, while Black allegedly tried to dispose of the victim’s clothing and personal items.
In defense, Black’s legal team has asserted that he did not commit any of the alleged crimes. They claim that if these crimes occurred, another man named Paul McNaughton—currently incarcerated—was responsible.
Family members of Dr. Coshan became concerned when he stopped responding to messages. When they did receive a reply on August 13, it was described as “out of character,” featuring grammar and abbreviations not typically used by him.
The court also heard that in the days following the murder, Black made multiple cash withdrawals from Dr. Coshan’s bank account and used his bank cards for various purchases. Additionally, he allegedly misled police about his relationship with the victim and bought cleaning products after the incident.
Black faces further charges of fraud and theft related to an incident in September 2021, where he and another individual are said to have unlawfully obtained Dr. Coshan’s banking login details. Prosecutors claim they stole approximately £18,000, transferring it into two separate accounts.