Lynda Spence murder: Victim "had safehouse plan" A man accused of murdering a missing businesswoman has told a jury he never saw her enter the attic where it is claimed she was tortured until her death. Colin Coats said he did not hold Lynda Spence prisoner at a flat in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, but that she had arranged to stay at the "safe house" herself after receiving threats. Coats, 42, admits that he "despised" the 27-year-old after being left out of pocket by a financial deal but denies killing her in April 2011. His friend and co-accused, Philip Wade, 42, also denies abduction and murder. Giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow, Coats said Ms Spence made an arrangement with a Paul Smith to stay at the property in Meadowfoot Road, West Kilbride. No records He said the attic of the flat was a "cannabis factory" and he was not aware of Ms Spence ever going up there. His defence counsel, Derek Ogg QC, said: "Did you ever see Lynda mount those stairs?" Coats replied: "Never." Under cross-examination, Coats was asked why there were no records of phone communication between Ms Spence and Mr Smith if the pair had been arranging for her to stay at the flat. He told the jury: "Lynda had loads of phones. There's only been a couple selected for this trial. You are not seeing the whole picture. Smith, 47, and David Parker, 38, also stood trial for Ms Spence's murder but have been cleared of the charge. The pair will be sentenced next Tuesday after pleading guilty to holding the financial adviser against her will and assaulting her.