Court / Police thank local community for supporting murder investigation
POLICE SCOTLAND has welcomed the conviction of two people for murdering Tracy Walker in Lerwick in July last year, saying it is “a clear message that violence like this has no place in our society”.
Ross MacDougall, 32, and Dawn Smith, 29, were both found guilty of murdering the 40-year-old mother of two following two-week trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Police officers recalled how they and other emergency services were called to the scene of the crime in Lerwick’s Ladies Drive just after 2am on 30 July 2019.
Sadly, Tracy Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the jury trial the High Court heard how she had been brutally murdered during a failed robbery attempt by MacDougall and Smith, who were demanding money for drugs from her.
Detective inspector Stewart Andrew of Police Scotland’s major investigation team said: “This was a brutal attack and one that has left Tracy’s family absolutely devastated.
“I hope this conviction has given them some sense of justice. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time and I would like to thank the public for coming forward and assisting with our investigation.”
Chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch added: “This was a harrowing ordeal for Tracy’s family, her friends and those who knew her and my thoughts are with them as they continue to come to terms with what happened.”
Thanking the local community for its assistance in bringing the police investigation to speedy conclusion, the Shetland area commander added: “I would like to thank people from the local community for their quick actions in contacting emergency services during what I’m sure must have been a harrowing ordeal.
“What happened that day has had a huge impact on many families and people, the effect of which will continue for some time to come.
“Fortunately, this kind of crime is rare on Shetland and officers will continue to work to keep everyone in our communities safe.
“But this conviction should send a clear message that violence like this has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.
“Police Scotland will continue to work alongside our partners at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service to make sure that any perpetrators are brought to justice and removed from our communities.”
Trial proceeding at the High Court in Edinburgh will continue today (Friday) when Lord Uist will hear from both legal teams. The judge will either sentence MacDougall and Smith or call for reports before sentencing.
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:
Victim Support Shetland
Phone: 01595744524 or 0800 1601985
Web: https://victimsupport.scot/locations/victim-support-shetland/
Email: VictimSupportHighlandsIslands@victimsupportsco.org.uk
For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:
Space2face
Phone: 07564 832467
Web: https://www.space2face.org
Email: info@space2face.org
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
