Murder Suspect Accused Police of Being 'Desperate' in Court Proceedings
Prosecutors allege that David Campbell, 77, gunned down his former colleague Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, on February 16, 2024. Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder, and has lodged a special defence of alibi, claiming he was at home during the alleged incident.
Heated Police Interview Revealed in Court
At the High Court in Glasgow, jurors were shown Campbell's police interview from May 2024, where he was arrested in connection with Mr. Low's death. During the interview, Campbell told Detective Constable David Budd, "They're just trying to save face", a comment believed to reference an initial police blunder that treated the death as a medical event despite gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. This mistake delayed the forensic examination of the crime scene by several days.
Campbell repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, stating to DC Budd, "I think you're desperate". When asked directly if he shot Mr. Low, he replied, "I certainly did not". The interview became heated, with DC Budd agreeing it was confrontational, and Campbell questioning the resources devoted to the case by saying, "Who is this guy Brian Low? Is he the king's son?"
Background and Additional Charges
Both men had worked at Edradynate Estate, with Campbell serving as head gamekeeper from May 1984 to February 2018, and Mr. Low as a groundsman from August 2000 to February 2023. Prosecutors claim Campbell showed malice towards Mr. Low and discharged a shotgun, causing fatal injuries.
In addition to the murder charge, Campbell faces accusations of attempting to defeat justice by:
- Disposing of the alleged murder weapon and gun bag
- Disposing of a Walther Rotex RM8 airgun
- Having replacement tyres fitted on an electric bike reportedly used in the alleged shooting
- Dumping items at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre or elsewhere
He is also charged with five breach of the peace offenses between 1995 and 2012, and possessing an airgun without a certificate from 2017 to 2024. The trial, presided over by Lord Scott, continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies.
