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Court / Police sergeant gives evidence to murder trial

A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder told police that he did not know what had happened the previous night, a court heard today.

A Lerwick police sergeant told a jury on Wednesday how she arrested Ross MacDougall on suspicion of murder hours after Tracy Walker lost her life in Lerwick on 30 July 2019.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the sergeant and her colleagues went to a home in Nederdale, Lerwick and Ross MacDougall, 32, answered the door to them.

The officer said she had earlier attended at Ladies Drive, in Lerwick, and had been involved in door to door enquiries.

The sergeant said that she was requested to attend at the Nederdale address by a senior officer and cautioned MacDougall before arresting him on suspicion of murder. She added: “I arrested him at the front door. He didn’t say anything immediately”.

She told the court MacDougall was taken to a police vehicle. He said: “I don’t know what happened last night but I have been told by neighbours. I am glad police are here now.”

The 29 year old sergeant, who has 11 years police service, was giving evidence on the tenth day of proceedings against MacDougall and Dawn Smith, 29.

The two accused deny murdering Ms Walker and other charges.

The trial before judge Lord Uist continues.

Copy by James Mulholland of Edinburgh Courts Press Services

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.

For victims of general crime:

For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:

For anyone affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual assault, and rape:

Shetland Women’s Aid

Phone: 01595 692070
Web: https://www.shetlandwa.org
Email: office@shetlandwa.org

The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis)

Phone: 01595 744402 or 08088 010302
Web: https://www.compasscentre.org
Email: contact@compasscentre.org

For anyone affected by substance use:

Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network

Phone: 01595 744402
Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075791869200
Email: recoveryhub@shetland.gov.uk

Shetland Alcohol & Drug Partnership

Phone: 01595 743060 or 07342 077789
Web: https://shetlandadp.org.uk
Email: shet.sadp@nhs.scot

Substance Use Recovery Service

Phone: 01595 743006

 
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