THE cousin of a suspected gunman has denied lying under oath to protect him.

Ashley Bethwaite told police Robert Fox arrived at her home in Luton at 11.30pm - more than four hours after James Bannon was shot at the Rovers Return pub in Sunderland last September.

But giving evidence in court yesterday, she changed her story and told the jury it was actually 9.30pm when he got there - about two-and-a-half hours after the shooting.

Ms Bethwaite was brought back into court to be asked further questions by Caroline Goodwin, prosecuting, regarding the discrepencies.

Miss Goodwin asked her: "Are you telling lies to protect Robert Fox?"

Ms Bethwaite replied: "No.".

Miss Goodwin then asked; "You have never been asked to lie on behalf of Robert Fox?"

She again replied: "No."

Ms Bethwaite said she could not remember saying some of the things in her statement, adding: "At the time I was on anti-depressants and classed as clinically depressed."

Mr Fox, of Harold Square, Hendon, Sunderland, denies attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The trial continues.