Wife Testifies She Can't Recall Grievances in Alleged Murder Case
In a dramatic courtroom scene, Elizabeth Campbell, 77, blew a kiss to her husband David Campbell, 77, before taking the stand at the High Court in Glasgow. She testified that she could not remember if there were any grievances between her husband and Brian Low, 65, his alleged murder victim. Prosecutors claim David Campbell gunned down Low, a former colleague, on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, on February 16, 2024.
Background of the Alleged Shooting
Both men had worked at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper from May 1984 to February 2018, and Low was a groundsman from August 2000 to February 2023. Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder, and has lodged a special defence of alibi, asserting he was at home during the alleged shooting. The trial, before Lord Scott, continues with intense scrutiny on the relationships and events leading up to Low's death.
Key Testimony and Contradictions
During her testimony, Elizabeth Campbell stated she knew Low from her own time working at the estate's "big house," noting, "I didn't get along with him, but I didn't not get along with him." When questioned by Advocate Depute Greg Farrell about any issues between her husband and Low, she initially replied, "No," but later added, "I can't really say anything specific." This contrasts with a police statement she gave on February 28, 2024, where she mentioned "there was one or two grievances between Brian and Dave." Under oath, she now claims, "I'm telling you now under oath, I don't remember."
Details of the Alleged Crime and Investigation
The court heard that Low's body was discovered on February 17, 2024, with a paramedic pronouncing him dead at 9 a.m. Initially treated as a medical event, it was later revealed he had around 30 shotgun pellet injuries to his face, neck, and chest, with pellets falling out of the bag at the mortuary. Detective Constable Mark Chance admitted his initial assessment was wrong, as he had never encountered a firearm death in the area before. This mistake delayed the crime scene's forensic examination for days.
Additional Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors allege Campbell disabled CCTV cameras at his home in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts and disposed of the alleged murder weapon and other items, including a Walther Rotex RM8 airgun. He faces further charges for breach of peace between 1995 and 2012 and illegal possession of the airgun. The trial highlights the complexities of the case, with jurors hearing last week that Campbell allegedly loathed Low and suspected him of trying to "set him up" after dead birds were found on the estate.
