The unsolved 'doorstep murder': Fresh plea for information 20 years on

Alistair Wilson was killed on November 28th 2004 at his home in Nairn

Alistair Wilson with his wife Veronica and two sons
Author: Liam RossPublished 28th Nov 2024
Last updated 28th Nov 2024

On the 20th anniversary of a banker being shot on the doorstep of his Highland home, the public are being urged to help solve his murder.

Alistair Wilson, originally from Beith in North Ayrshire, was killed on November 28th 2004 at his home on Crescent Road in Nairn.

Detectives have examined thousands of statements and documents, but the 30-year-old's killer has never been found.

In September, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC announced the case would be reinvestigated under Operation Sabine, with a new team of officers and prosecutors.

Detectives will examine all evidence gathered over the last two decades, as well as look for new lines of inquiry, with the help of modern technology and forensics.

We're hearing from the woman leading the reinvestigation and a former Scotland Yard detective who has worked on the case for years.

Former detective meeting with person 'sitting on 20-year-old secret.'

Ex MET detective Peter Bleksley has been coming to Nairn since the first anniversary of Alistair's murder in 2005.

Bleksley has worked on the case since then, and told us what he expects during his visit to the seaside town this week.

He said: "Within just a matter of minutes of being here, I was contacted by somebody who said they've been sitting on a secret for 20 years and they'd like to meet me this week and tell me that.

Alistair Wilson with his two sons when they were younger

"So, who knows."

Bleksley also outlined why's he investigated the case for so long.

He added: "I was gripped by this crime when I first came here all those years ago.

"I thought it could and should have been solved.

"I believe that more than ever now and on a personal level, the fact that Alistair and Veronica's boys were about the same age as my and my wife's two boys, really struck home.

"I have so much upset for Alistair, because in the last 20 years I've enjoyed my two boys.

"I've had so much fun and pleasure watching them grow into fine young men.

"Alistair was denied all of that, absolutely taken from him.

"The fact that the family have not had any justice, the person responsible for pulling that trigger has not been found and put in front of a court of law is utterly outrageous."

Police Scotland "absolutely committed" to getting justice

Detectives will look at around 10,000 documents, including roughly 6,000 statements, and also examine 14,000 actions carried out by police since the murder.

Police have also launched a major investigation public portal that allows people to submit files and information to the team anonymously to help resolve the murder of the father-of-two.

A team of 14 officers are now working on Operation Sabine, with more being drafted on to the inquiry in the coming weeks.

Alistair Wilson with eldest son Andrew as a baby

The team were drawn from a range of specialisms across Police Scotland, including complex investigations, homicide and murder inquiries, forensics and intelligence gathering.

Detective Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow said: "The team reinvestigating Alistair's murder are absolutely committed to doing everything they can to get justice for his family.

"We are exploring all new opportunities available to us, including advanced technology around forensics and DNA analysis.

"Alistair's wife Veronica, their two sons and wider family have suffered 20 years of pain and their unanswered questions about why he was murdered and who was responsible remain.

"The thoughts of everyone at Police Scotland are very much with them at this time and we are keeping them informed of any updates we have as the reinvestigation progresses.

"I am determined that the passage of time is no barrier to justice and we are absolutely committed to finding out who was responsible and bringing them to justice.

"The new major investigation public portal is another option for the public to send us information directly and anonymously if they wish.

"A significant anniversary such as this will prompt further discussion both in the local community and across the country around this investigation, and I would urge anyone with information - no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be - to speak to us and help get justice for Alistair's family."

The Op Sabine Major Investigation Public Portal (MIPP) can be accessed here.