Friday 22 November 2024
 2.2°C   NE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Court / MacDougall/Smith appeal case to be heard next month

Ross MacDougall and Dawn Smith were jailed for life. Photos: Police Scotland

A DATE has been set for judges to hear an appeal brought by islanders Ross MacDougall and Dawn Smith who believe they were wrongfully convicted of murdering Tracy Walker in Lerwick almost two years ago.

Lawyers for the pair will address the Court of Criminal Appeal on 9 June.

Thirty two year old MacDougall and Smith, aged 29, were handed life sentences at the High Court in Edinburgh after a jury found them guilty of brutally killing 40 year old Tracy Walker in July 2019.

Passing sentence in December last year Judge Lord Uist told MacDougall 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.

Both have now instructed lawyers to argue that they have fallen victims to miscarriages of justice and should have their convictions quashed.

Lawyers are also appealing that the sentences imposed on the duo were also excessive.

During proceedings last year, the High Court in Edinburgh heard that the pair targeted Tracy Walker because they needed money to buy drugs and knew she had £100 on her.

James Mulholland of Edinburgh Courts Press Services

Space2face

Space2face Shetland

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.

If you would like to reach out to us, please contact us via e-mail info@space2face.org or mobile 07564 832467.

If you would like to know more, visit our website www.space2face.org, or our Facebook page #space2faceshetland.


The project is also currently fundraising to secure office space in Shetland’s brand-new creativity and wellness centre, The Mission. If you’re interested in getting involved, or making a donation, head over to www.space2face.org/how-you-can-help

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.