Sunday Mail smashes bid to sell files on head-on-beach case

Jun 1 2008 Exclusive by Charles Lavery

A CAREER criminal stole sensitive case files from the head-on-the-beach murder case - then tried to sell them for £5000.

The thug took paperwork from the cell of one of the men accused of murdering 35-year-old Lithuanian migrant Jolanta Bleidate in April then tried to sell them to the Sunday Mail for "a minimum of £5000."

He was being probed yesterday by Fife police and faces charges.

The 27-year-old, who has a string of convictions for violence, cannot be named.

In a meeting with our investigator the ex-con showedus the papers and said: "I got it inside Perth jail. I was in there at the same time as him.

"I've beaten a 10 stretch for attempted murder and am in and out of there all the time. I know some serious people and if I can't do business with you I'll sell it somewhere else.

"I've been told I can get at least £5000 for it so see what you can do."

He claims he tried to stab murder accused Vitas Plytnykas inside Perth jail.

He then stole judicial examination papers from the Lithuanian's cell.

The documents - on Crown Office paper - list the exact charges and go into detail about the case.

The con, of Kirkcaldy, said: "I couldn't do him in as there were always four screws round him.

"I managed to scald him one time but if I can't get to him I can at least make a wage out of him."

We declined his offer and called in police. We also contacted the Crown Office, who took steps to have the man arrested.

The Crown Office and Tayside Police, who led the original inquiry, thanked the Sunday Mail for our part in snaring the thug.