CCTV System Deactivated on Morning of Alleged Murder, Court Hears
Prosecutors have presented evidence in a high-profile murder trial, alleging that the CCTV system at the home of a former head gamekeeper accused of a fatal shooting was deactivated on the morning of the crime. The High Court in Glasgow heard that David Campbell, 77, is accused of gunning down his former colleague, Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, on 16 February 2024.
Key CCTV Footage Presented to Jury
Jurors were shown footage from the CCTV camera at Campbell's home, which captured his vehicle driving away from the property at approximately 7.11am on the day in question. The footage then depicted Campbell parking near and walking towards a property on Dunkeld Street in Aberfeldy, returning to his vehicle at 7.31am while apparently carrying a bag that he placed inside. Detective Constable David Gardiner, the CCTV officer in the case, testified that the suspect appeared to be carrying a "long, thinnish bag."
The court heard that Campbell's car returned to his home at 7.35am, and he was seen walking towards his house. Notably, DC Gardiner agreed with prosecutor Greg Farrell that Campbell seemed to look directly at the CCTV camera during this time. The officer confirmed that no CCTV footage was captured after 10.09am on 16 February, as the system went off at that time.
Doorbell Camera Tampering and Alibi Defence
Further footage revealed that Campbell approached a doorbell camera at his home at 7.35am and placed duct tape over it. The tape was removed by 10.13am, but jurors were shown that Campbell returned at 11.10am to apply more duct tape. Mr Farrell highlighted that this meant the doorbell camera was covered from 11.10am until about 7.30pm, with no footage available during that period.
Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder, and has lodged a special defence of alibi, claiming he was at home at the time of the alleged shooting. Both men had previously worked at the Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper from May 1984 to February 2018, and Mr Low was a groundsman from August 2000 to February 2023.
Cyclist Footage and Phone Activity
The court was also shown CCTV footage of a cyclist with a bag on their back heading out of Aberfeldy at around 4.12pm on 16 February. DC Gardiner noted that the bike had similarities to one belonging to Campbell's wife and that the clothing worn by the cyclist appeared similar to what Campbell had worn earlier in the day. The cyclist was seen on CCTV at 4.18pm but then disappeared from view until 5.01pm.
Prosecutor Greg Farrell pointed out that activity on Brian Low's phone stopped at 4.52pm, approximately half an hour after the cyclist vanished from CCTV. He emphasised to the jury that this timeline coincided with the period when the cyclist was out of sight.
Additional Evidence and Charges
On 17 February, CCTV footage appeared to show Campbell leaving his house and waving to the camera at about 8.07am. Later that day, doorbell footage from around 11.31am revealed a utility area in Campbell's house containing a box with a black and white design. DC Gardiner testified that this box was found to be designed for shipping shotgun cartridges.
David Campbell faces multiple charges, including the alleged murder of Brian Low, which is said to have occurred in Leafy Lane, Aberfeldy, near the Pitilie track. Mr Low's body was discovered on 17 February 2024, with a paramedic pronouncing him dead at 9am. Prosecutors allege that Campbell discharged a shotgun at Mr Low, causing fatal injuries, and that he disabled CCTV cameras in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts.
Further accusations include attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of the alleged murder weapon and other items, such as a Walther Rotex RM8 airgun and bicycle tyres. Campbell also faces five separate breach of the peace charges dating from July 1995 to September 2012, as well as charges related to possessing and discharging an airgun without a certificate. The trial, before Lord Scott, continues.
