Emma Faulds: Jury shown specialist dog searches of murder accused's cars

Ross Willox denies murdering Emma Faulds in Monkton

Published 5th May 2021

A special police dog trained in the scent of dead bodies gave a "positive indication" during the search of a car in the missing Emma Faulds investigation.

A Jaguar motor was examined by PC Neil Gunderson and his dog Max on May 8 2019.

Jurors heard how Max specialised in "victim recovery".

He had previously helped find a body near an area of water in South Queensferry.

PC Gunderson gave evidence at the High Court in Glasgow and recalled how the pair had been asked to check a number of vehicles in the inquiry.

The examinations were made weeks after Ross Willox, 41, allegedly murdered Emma, 39, at his home in Fairfield Park, Monkton, Ayrshire, on April 28, 2019 by means unknown.

The trial was shown the footage of Max searching the Jaguar car. The checks spanned two days.

PC Gunderson - based at Fettes station in Edinburgh - told prosecutor Paul Kearney it appeared Max had "heightened interest" in the vehicle.

The officer added: "He is very aware...that there is something there that he would like to get closer to."

Later in the footage, the dog appears to repeatedly bark at the boot area of the Jaguar.

PC Gunderson said to him it was "clear" Max was giving "an indication".

Mr Kearney went on to ask: "Do you have any doubt of it being a positive indication from your dog in what he is trained to find?"

PC Gunderson: "I have no doubt whatsoever."

Willox denies the accusations.

The trial, before judge Lord Mulholland, continues.

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