Murder suspect branded police ‘desperate’ when accused of shooting ex-colleague dead, court hears | UK News
A murder suspect told police they were “desperate” and “just trying to save face” when they accused him of shooting a former colleague dead, a court has heard.
Prosecutors are claiming David Campbell, 77, gunned down former colleague Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, on 16 February 2024.
Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, and has lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the shotgun murder accusation – claiming he was at home at the time of the alleged shooting.
Both men had worked at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell was head gamekeeper between May 1984 and February 2018 and Mr Low was a groundsman between August 2000 and February 2023.
A general view of the area where Brian Low’s body was discovered. Pic: PA
At the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, jurors were shown Campbell’s police interview after he was arrested in May 2024 over Mr Low’s death.
Campbell told Detective Constable David Budd: “They’re just trying to save face.”
It is thought the comment was made regarding a blunder at the beginning of the inquiry, when Police Scotland initially treated the death as a “medical event” despite Mr Low having died of gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.
The mistake meant the crime scene was not sealed off and forensically examined until days after Mr Low’s body was found.
Forensic officers at the scene of the alleged murder in February 2024. Pic: PA
Campbell repeatedly denied any wrongdoing during the interview, telling DC Budd: “I think you’re desperate.”
When once again asked if he shot Mr Low, the accused replied: “I certainly did not.”
Read more from the trial:
Man accused of shotgun murder ‘loathed victim’
Alleged killer thought murder victim was trying to ‘set him up’
CCTV at suspect’s home ‘went off on morning of alleged shooting’
Wife ‘can’t remember’ if husband had grievances with Mr Low
DC Budd agreed with Advocate Depute Greg Farrell that the interview became “heated” and accepted he himself was “quite confrontational”.
Campbell was said to have stated: “Who is this guy Brian Low? Is he the king’s son?”
DC Budd agreed with Mr Farrell that he took it to mean that the accused was suggesting that a lot of money and resources had been put into Mr Low’s case.
Police near the Pitilie Track in February 2024. Pic: Sky News
Campbell also told the interviewing officers: “You don’t even know if it was deliberately done or accidentally done.”
The ex-head gamekeeper added: “Some people shoot and get shot every year.”
When told it was a murder inquiry, Mr Campbell replied: “It could have been an accidental killing.”
The trial, before Lord Scott, continues.
