A CLOSE business associate of a property tycoon accused of the murder of a Scottish businessman in Australia was intimidating and volatile when alone, a court has heard.

Millionaire Ron Medich is on trial over the murder of his former business partner Michael McGurk, 45, who was originally from Govan and was gunned down outside his home in Sydney on September 3, 2009. He denies the charges.

His working partner Fortunato “Lucky” Gattellari has already been convicted for his part in organising the killing, but agreed to testify against Mr Medich, 68.

Mr Medich’s defence team says Gattellari, 66, devised the murder to cloak thefts.

Kim Shipley, an accountant for both men, said Gattellari could be frightening when hounding people for money, and reserved his “most poisonous” language for Mr McGurk.

Mr Shipley told the New South Wales Supreme Court the three would discuss business over expensive lunches.

Several days after Gattellari’s arrest in 2010, Mr Shipley met with Mr Medich and his lawyer at the Martin Place office. Mr Shipley asked on his boss’s behalf for Mr Medich to transfer £620,000 into a lawyer’s trust account for legal fees.

“Don’t be bloody silly,” Mr Medich allegedly responded, before saying “He’s on his own.” Mr Shipley recalled Mr Medich had an “air of concern” and his hands shook. The trial continues.