Murder victim's family demand Taggart bosses axe TV scenes shot at death house

Jun 15 2008 Exclusive by Marion Scott

A MURDER victim's mum is demanding that scenes for an episode of Taggart filmed in his flat be axed.

Producers shot footage for the hit detective series at the home where businessman Alexander Blue was battered to death.

They claim they were unaware of the property's bloody history - despite Taggart star Alex Norton presenting a show about Alexander's murder.

Norton - who plays gruff DCI Matt Burke - fronted an episode of Unsolved about the 41-year-old's death.

Alexander's mum has now demanded Taggart ditch the scenes and wants an apology from STV - who broadcast both shows - and station owners SMG.

Kathy Blue, 75, said last night: "Their explanation is hard to believe.

"But if it was a mistake they should do the decent thing and leave it on the cutting room floor.

"Alex Norton presented a half-hour documentary about my son's death.

"He stood virtually on the spot where my son was battered and spoke about how my agony would never end until the killer is caught.

"Someone at SMG has to apologise and order the scenes to be reshot so our family and friends don't have to relive the horror.

"If it had been an English film crew who didn't have a clue about Alexander's death, I could understand them not knowing.

"But given the actor's knowledge it's hard to accept they didn't know."

Alexander died from head injuries two days after being savagely beaten outside his home in Glasgow's west end on June 25, 2002.

No one has been arrested, despite a £25,000 reward.

Alexander's brother Billy, 50, added: "We took part in Unsolved because we trusted them and believed Norton might raise enough public awareness for vital evidence to be brought forward."

SMGsaid: "Mr Norton was not involved in the filming of these scenes and had nothing to do with choosing the location. SMGapologises sincerely for any distress we may unintentionally have caused Mr Blue's family."

A spokesman for Alex Norton declined to comment.

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