Finlay MacDonald, accused in Skye attacks, viewed himself as a victim, court hears

The High Court in Edinburgh was informed that Finlay MacDonald, who stands accused of knife and gun assaults in the Skye area, perceived himself as a victim. A consultant forensic psychiatrist stated that Mr. MacDonald had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and a depressive disorder. Dr. Alastair Morris testified that during a consultation, Mr. MacDonald informed him of having experienced a physical and nervous breakdown, along with difficulties interacting with people and managing various situations. The 41-year-old individual has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to murder his wife and two other individuals. Regarding the accusation of murdering John MacKinnon, he has submitted a special defence asserting that he was suffering from an abnormality of mind. Dr. Morris further stated that Mr. MacDonald “viewed himself as the victim in all this”. The court had previously been informed that the marine engineer is autistic. Dr. Morris was questioned concerning an excerpt from a report prepared by a psychologist. In connection with the alleged offences, he testified that Mr. MacDonald’s autism was not of a level or degree that would impede his ability to distinguish right from wrong or to control his actions. Dr. Morris commented: “I would agree his ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is towards the milder end of the spectrum.” He is among four psychologists and psychiatrists anticipated to provide evidence as expert witnesses during the trial. Mr. MacDonald faces an accusation of attempting to murder his wife, Rowena MacDonald, 34, on 10 August 2022. This alleged incident occurred at the family residence in Tarskavaig, Skye, and involved repeatedly stabbing her. He is also charged with the murder of distillery worker Mr. MacKinnon, using a shotgun, on the same date at Mr. MacKinnon’s home in Teangue, Skye. Furthermore, he is alleged to have attempted to murder retired osteopath John MacKenzie and his wife Fay, both aged 65, with the shotgun at their residence in Dornie, Wester Ross. The trial, presided over by judge Lady Drummond, is ongoing. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.