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Inside Murder Trial

<p>Extraordinary courtroom access takes listeners uniquely inside real-life unfolding murder trials. Journalist Jane MacSorley and advocate Thomas Ross KC unpack each days events.</p>

BBC Radio Scotland

It’s the final episode of this series of Inside Murder Trial – everything could hinge on the closing speeches of the advocates. Can either side present a compelling argument which proves Campbell’s guilt, or provide enough doubt for the jury to find him not guilty?Tommy Ross KC explains the methods behind the speeches, and the options available to the jury. This time - for the first time on Inside Murder Trial - the jury have only two options - finding David Campbell either innocent or guilty. But as a hush descends in court - what verdict will they bring?

Death of a Dog Walker: 9. Judgement Day

After nearly two weeks hearing the prosecution case, the jury are now set to hear just a handful of witnesses for the defence. Tommy Ross KC explains the defence don’t need to prove Campbell’s innocence - just raise doubts and point out reasons why the jury might find him innocent.  Central to the defence case - David Campbell takes the decision to give evidence - and opens himself to cross examination.

Death of a Dog Walker: 8. That's Not A Hat

The final witnesses for the prosecution are called to give evidence, but what impact will they have on proceedings? The jury is played extracts from David Campbell’s police interview - where he chooses to answer some questions and not others. And Tommy reflects on Campbell’s decision to go ahead without any legal representation. Later in court, there is drama as the jury is reduced to 14 members. What impact could this have on the final verdict?

Death of a Dog Walker: 7. Saving Face

The partner of the accused is rarely called by the prosecution. But today – we hear evidence from David’s wife of more than 57 years. She’s asked about his relationship with the victim, Brian Low. And she’s quizzed about the CCTV showing a bike similar to hers being ridden through Aberfeldy. Does she agree that the rider could be her husband?Later in the episode we learn how David’s football allegiance could raise questions about the blue bag apparently being carried by the killer. And we hear from some expert witnesses who might be able to pin-point the time of death. Will this new evidence change the whole complexion of the case?Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 6. That Could Be Anybody

After yesterday’s revelations from the CCTV cameras, we follow more images which perhaps show someone on their way to commit the murder. But do any of the camera’s provide a clear shot of who that person is?We also see footage of David Campbell apparently making gestures towards the police – on his own camera system. Later – there is evidence which might explain why David’s wife’s bike has changed its appearance. And clues which could explain where David was hiding a gun. Or – they might present some innocent explanations. As we pass the half-way point, which way are the jury leaning. And which way do you think the trial will go?Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 5. Two Fingers

It’s an emotional day in court as Brian’s loved ones recall the moment their world was shattered, as they first learned that Brian was dead. And then – that he had been murdered. 
Later, we hear evidence from a police officer who gathered CCTV in the case. And we build a picture of what COULD be the killer on his way to commit the murder…only there’s no images which show his face. 
Then, on another camera, we witness some bizarre behaviour from the accused. Could his own home camera system provide evidence that weakens his defence?
Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 4. You Don’t Expect To Hear That!

The discovery of a body is always a dramatic moment in court. This episode hears from the first on the scene – from neighbours, to paramedics, and police, as Brian Low is found deceased, with his labrador Millie loyally by his side. We’ll hear how Brian’s death was initially thought not to be suspicious – perhaps stemming from a medical episode rather than foul play. And we’ll hear evidence around how long he may have been in the lane before he was found. As the day continues – more attention is placed on the police response – and the eventual discovery that Brian had suffered gunshot wounds.Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 3. A Body On The Lane

Having already heard about David Campbell’s temper, todays episode moves on to the relationship between him and the victim, Brian Low. The court hears that they were colleagues, who didn’t always see eye-to-eye. And we hear evidence about an incident, more than a decade earlier, which might have cemented ill feeling between them. Later in court – attention turns to an incident in 2023, just three months before the murder. A man is seen riding a bike, close to the location where Brian would later be killed. Some witnesses think he’s carrying a gun. And their evidence leads to a possible identification. Is this an early clue, or a red herring which might confuse the jury?Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 2. A Man And A Bike

When Brian Low was murdered on a quiet country lane in Perthshire, it required an intense police investigation. He had been out walking his dog when he was apparently gunned down. But this isn’t a place where gun crime is common. Murder is almost unheard of. And Brian had few enemies. Over the following months, detectives speak to hundreds of witnesses, take dozens of statements, and gradually piece together a case. Their suspect is an unlikely one, a 77-year-old former gamekeeper, who lives nearby. Now – two years after the murder – a trial is set to begin at Glasgow High Court. 15 jurors are about to hear the evidence in the case. And they’ll decide if the accused is guilty, or not.This episode begins by hearing the case outline, and the testimony of the first witnesses to take the stand. Inside Murder Trial is hosted by Jane MacSorley, with expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC. The series is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Scotland.

Death of a Dog Walker: 1. The Accused

A brand new season of Inside Murder Trial is coming soon. 
In ‘Death of a Dog Walker’ – Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC lead listeners through the extraordinary trial of David Campbell – a retired gamekeeper accused of shooting dead a former colleague while he was walking his dog in a quiet country lane. 
But after a three week trial, will a jury find the accused guilty, or not?

Death of a Dog Walker: Trailer

After two weeks of evidence, the jury sit down for one last session. Each of the advocates reads a carefully curated closing speech - summarising all the key evidence and reminding the jury of the facts.  But who will have the most compelling argument? Will any of the speeches sway jurors one way, or another? With nothing more to be said, the jury step away to deliberate in secret. When they return - the fate of the three accused will be revealed. Innocent, or guilty - do you think justice has been done?Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 10. Decision Time

As the trial draws towards a conclusion, the jury are introduced to a science lesson. Can microscopic algae, found in the River Leven, help answer the question of whether any of the accused entered the water? The jury also hears from some police officers involved in the original enquiry, finding out why the accused weren't brought before a court at the time. 
And as the final witness completes their testimony, the jury are sent away, ahead of the closing speeches, and the opportunity to reach a verdict. Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 9. The Clue's In the Water

After seven days of evidence for the prosecution, it's time for the defence to lead the evidence. And they start with testimony from one of the three accused. Can their account convince the jury of their innocence? Or will the cross-examination prove to be damning?
Also taking the stand are two witnesses who support the idea that George Graham may be culpable. What value will the jury put on these claims?Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 8. It Wasn't Me

What did the three accused say when they were quizzed by detectives? As the prosecution case comes to a close, we hear extracts form those interviews. We learn how all three insist they had nothing to do with Caroline's death. And hear the observations of the officers tasked with obtaining their account. Then - in a dramatic twist - the prosecution announce that one of the charges in the case is set to be dropped. What does this mean for the rest of the trial? Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 7. You Don't Have To Say Anything

Did the accused really take a walk with Archie in the middle of the night? And did they really come back to the house, and start arguing? Well - this episode hears evidence form a witness who says she SAW them through her window. The only problem - they never mentioned seeing anything at the time. We also hear evidence from another witness who spent time talking to young Archie Wilson. And - we hear a claim that Caroline was in fear of George Graham - another man once accused of her murder. Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 6. Curtain Twitching

Witnesses can come in all shapes and sizes. But in a murder trial it's rare to hear evidence from the voice of a five-year-old. In this episode, we break down the events from a dramatic day-5 in court, as the jury is told that a five year old boy may have witnesses the murder, and revealed who was responsible. But is he telling the truth? The court also hears from witnesses who may have seen, or heard, the suspects leaving an address and heading towards the scene of the murder. But will their evidence prove to be consistent, or pose more questions than it answers? Tommy Ross KC and journalist Jane MacSorley listen to the evidence, and provide the context behind the questions.Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 5. What Archie Saw

The police know that Caroline Glachan made her way to the River Leven on the night she was killed. So todays evidence, in which two people claim to have been with her on that walk, could complete the picture and reveal what exactly happened. But when the witnesses offer very different versions of events, will that throw doubt into the mind of the jury? Tommy Ross KC breaks down the events as he and journalist Jane MacSorley listen to the evidence and guide listeners through every twist and turn.Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 4. Memory Test

When Caroline Glachan was found murder in August 1996, the police tried to piece together her last movements, working out where she was, and who she was with. In todays' evidence, two witnesses take the stand to explain that they saw Caroline on that night. One, a friend, also makes some alarming claims about one of the accused, while another witness reveals a startling sighting, and the potential that Caroline was being followed. Once again, Tommy Ross KC joins journalist Jane MacSorley to break down the days events in court and explain what's really going on.Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 3. The Long Walk

Day two of the trial centres on evidence from Caroline's best friend, who reveals concerns about one of the three accused. There's also evidence from a witness - potentially someone who heard the attack on Caroline being carried out. And the 999 call, made by the person who found Caroline's body in the River Leven, is played to the court. There are questions about why Caroline's shoes are placed neatly on the riverbank. And theories about whether this might point to the motive behind her murder. But the day begins with evidence from a pathologist, who can explain the range of injuries Caroline sustained, and what they might reveal about the person responsible. Tommy Ross KC, joins journalist Jane MacSorley to discuss the events in court and provide an insight into the trial process.Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 2. The Trainers

It's day one of a murder trial at Glasgow high Court. Three people stand accused of the 1996 murder of Caroline Glachan, and as the trial begins, a jury starts to learn some of the facts about the case. First to give evidence is Caroline's mother Margaret, who casts her mind back to the last time she saw her daughter, and the tragic circumstances which led her to find out she had been killed. Also taking the stand - a police diver who recovered Caroline's body from the River Leven, and a witness who reveals that the murder was the only topic of conversation in the area in the days afterwards. Defending Advocate Tommy Ross KC joins journalist Jane MacSorley as they listen to the evidence and break down the tactics as this extraordinary trial gets under way.Presented by: Jane MacSorley and Tommy Ross KC
Written and Produced by: Darrell Brown
Production Manager: Eilidh Hart
Executive Producer: Iain Scollay
Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA Firecrest Films Production for BBC Sounds

Girl in the River: 1. Caroline

For 25-years, Caroline Glachan's family had no answers on why she died, or who killed her. Her body was found face down in the River Leven. The 14-year-old schoolgirl had been battered, and left for dead. 
Now - three people stand accused of the crime. Prosecutors believe they acted together, to kill Caroline. But the trio deny any involvement. 
This series features unique recordings from inside the court room. And it features expert analysis from Tommy Ross KC - one of the defence advocates in this trial. Each episode tells the story of one day in court. By the end, you'll hear what the jury heard. But when it comes to reaching a verdict, what will they decide? What would YOU decide?
Season 2 of Inside Murder Trial launches on November 27th. Listen to all episodes first on BBC Sounds.

Girl in the River: Trailer

We hear the closing speeches. Lord Armstrong invites the jury to retire and begin their deliberations. Will they find William MacDowell guilty of murdering his lover and their son?

A Deadly Affair: 10. The Verdict

Defence witness, Dr Gamblin, who was Renee’s GP gives evidence about an encounter outside his practice that has haunted him for over 40 years.

A Deadly Affair: 9. The man with the Mexican styled moustache

Fresh evidence is presented surrounding a clandestine meeting months before Renee and Andrew disappeared. There is an offer of money for a job that needs doing.

A Deadly Affair: 8. It must have slipped by mind

We hear from the accused, 80 year old William MacDowell, about his illicit affair with Renee and how he regularly treated her.

A Deadly Affair: 7. I deny any association with Mrs. MacRae

Five days after Renee and her son Andrew vanish, the accused makes a most unusual and urgent request for his company car which he is forced to return having being sacked.

A Deadly Affair: 6. A Walking Dead Man

For 46 years Rosemary MacDowell has stood firmly by the accused, her husband. Today she takes the stand giving her version of the night when her husband's lover disappeared.

A Deadly Affair: 5. Tell the Man to Go and Boil his Head

We hear from the person who holds the key to unlocking this decades long mystery, Valerie Steventon. She was Renee’s closest friend and confidante who knew all her inner secrets.

A Deadly Affair: 4. Everything is Helpful

Renee’s sister gives evidence. On a quest to find what happened to her only sibling, she details her desperate actions after Renee’s secret is revealed by her closest friend.

A Deadly Affair: 3. The Family Secret

Today two men see each other for the first time in 46 years. One man's wife and her child are gone. The other man, who was her lover, is accused of killing them.

A Deadly Affair: 2. A Perfect Place to Hide a Body

Renee's BMW is found ablaze in a layby one November night in 1976. She and her young son are never seen again. That same evening, a local resident hears ‘a blood curdling scream’.

A Deadly Affair: 1. Well Ablaze

Mother and son Renee and Andrew MacRae vanished in the Scottish Highlands in 1976. 46 years on, an 80-year-old man stands accused of their murder. Will justice finally be served?