Court / MacDougall and Smith to appeal life sentences
THE TWO islanders found guilty of murdering Lerwick woman Tracy Walker in July 2019 are appealing their life sentences.
Ross MacDougall, 32, and Dawn Smith, 29, have instructed lawyers to argue that they have fallen victims to miscarriages of justice.
A procedural hearing in the case will take place at Court of Criminal Appeal on 20 May, with a full hearing expected to take place in June.
Lawyers are also appealing that the sentences imposed on the duo were also excessive.
MacDougall and Smith had always denied murdering 40-year-old Tracy Walker, but following a 15-day trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, the pair were found guilty by a jury.
Following the guilty verdict they were handed life sentences by Judge Lord Uist.
MacDougall was told that he would have to serve a minimum of 23 years before he could apply for parole.
Smith was told she would have to serve at least 20 years and two months before she could hope for release from custody.
James Mulholland of Edinburgh Courts Press Services
Space2face
Space2face Shetland is an independent and confidential service which uses Restorative Justice and the arts to bring those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. We enable everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
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