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