LISTEN: Caithness family say it's not too late to reinvestigate Kevin McLeod’s death despite lead prosecutors passing
A Caithness family pushing for their relative’s death to be reinvestigated say it’s not too late to reopen the case, despite a second person connected with the case passing away.
A Caithness family pushing for their relative’s death to be reinvestigated say it’s not too late to reopen the case, despite a second person connected with the case passing away.
In 1997 Kevin McLeod’s body was discovered in Wick Harbour and police treated the incident as an accident, with a fatal accident inquiry later recording an open verdict.
But the 24-year-old’s uncle - Allan - remains convinced it was murder, and fears time’s running out after last week’s death of Procurator Fiscal Alasdair Macdonald:
On Friday Sheriff David Sutherland addressed a sombre gathering of solicitors and other legal staff in court two of Inverness Sheriff Court to say how many people admired 60 year old procurator fiscal Alasdair Macdonald.
He passed away, following a short illness, at his home on Tuesday and his funeral was held on Friday in Golspie.
Sheriff Sutherland said before dealing with the day's criminal business: "It is entirely appropriate that I begin with a tribute to Alasdair Macdonald who was a friend and colleague to so many of us.
"A native of Sutherland, Alasdair served as procurator fiscal in Haddington before returning to the Highlands as procurator fiscal for Wick, Dornoch and Tain.
"He then headed up the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit with an office in Inverness. He was one of the finest fiscals in the country and was respected and admired by his colleagues in the service, solicitor and Sheriffs alike.
"He was a formidable and resolute prosecutor and his knowledge of the law was quite exceptional as many in this court can testify.
"But for me it was his courtesy and sense of fairness which was his hallmarks. I have known Alasdair for over 30 years and the fact that so many of us trusted and respected him in all that he did, is testimony to the Highland gentleman he was.
"His premature death was such a shock to many of us and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Anna and their children."
One of Mr Macdonalds last high profile cases was presenting the evidence in the fatal accident inquiry into the death of Kingussie woman Margaret Forrest, who was given the wrong medication by the local chemist and died.