Defence Lawyer Suggests “Catastrophic” Event Preceded Fatal Shooting by Man with No Prior Convictions

A defence lawyer has asserted that a “catastrophic” event must have transpired for an individual with no prior criminal record to fatally shoot his brother-in-law. Finlay MacDonald is currently facing charges related to multiple assaults that took place on 10 August 2022, in the Skye area and its vicinity. He has entered pleas of not guilty to the murder of his brother-in-law, the attempted murder of his wife through stabbing, and the shooting of two additional individuals, contending that he was experiencing an abnormality of mind during the incidents. Donald Findlay KC, a senior counsel with extensive experience, conveyed to the High Court in Edinburgh: “There is a genuine tragedy in this case. It is a case the like of which I do not think I have ever seen in nearly 50 years of being here.” Mr MacDonald refutes the accusation of murdering his brother-in-law, John MacKinnon, during a shooting incident in Teangue, Skye. He has submitted a special defence against the charge, asserting that at the time, his capacity to decide or govern his actions was significantly compromised by an abnormality of mind. Furthermore, he denies the attempted murder of his wife, Rowena, at their residence in Tarskavaig, Skye, as well as the attempted murder of John and Fay MacKenzie in a shooting that occurred in Dornie, Wester Ross. In his concluding address to the jurors, Mr Findlay stated: “Whatever else you have thought over these many days I would be astonished if you were not deeply affected by much of what you have seen and heard.” He highlighted that his client had no prior criminal convictions, yet on a single day, he took a life, endangered his wife’s life, and caused injuries to others. Mr Findlay remarked: “Something catastrophic has happened somewhere.” Previously during the trial, a psychologist testified that Mr MacDonald was experiencing the effects of autism and post-traumatic stress disorder, alongside underlying depression, anxiety, and a personality disorder, at the time of the alleged murder. Mr Findlay contended that the prosecution was making every effort to persuade jurors that Mr MacDonald’s autism, or lack thereof, was not pertinent to the case. The lawyer asserted that an underlying narrative suggested autism was inconsequential. He further stated: “But of course it does. “He was born with it and from his childhood he has had no practical assistance whatsoever. “It is a simple fact that he received no help.” Prosecutor advocate depute Liam Ewing KC informed the jurors that there was “absolutely no basis” to conclude that provocation was a factor concerning the alleged attempted murder of Mrs MacDonald. He explained that Mr MacDonald had discovered some “mildly flirty texts” on his wife’s phone, exchanged between her and a work colleague, and commented: “But there was nothing in those texts which suggested an ongoing sexual relationship.” Mr Ewing stated: “There is no evidence which suggests that the accused lost control because he discovered his wife was having an affair.” He highlighted that Mr MacDonald had informed the police: “I wish I could turn back the clock. “I just feel like if she had not physically started fighting with me it would never have happened.” The proceedings before judge Lady Drummond are 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.