Closing Speeches in Aberfeldy Murder Trial
The jury in the trial of David Campbell, 77, accused of murdering a former colleague on a remote path in Highland Perthshire, have heard closing speeches in the case.
Campbell is charged with shooting Brian Low, 65, at Leafy Lane, near the Pitilie Track, Aberfeldy, on 16 February 2024.
Prosecutor Greg Farrell described the incident as a "brazen and brutal execution," while defence counsel Tony Lenehan KC argued that Campbell's behaviour on the day was "not those of a murderer." Campbell denies the murder and has lodged a special defence of alibi.
Seven other charges against Campbell, including attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breaches of the peace dating back to 1995, were dropped by prosecutors on Friday.
Jurors were previously informed that the two men had worked together on the Edradynate Estate in Aberfeldy, where Low had served as a groundsman.
Prosecution's Closing Speech
In his closing address, Greg Farrell told the jury:
"This was a cowardly ambush motivated by nothing more than sheer malice, this was no accident.
David Campbell was an expert shot and hunted down Brian Low like he was quarry."
Farrell stated that Campbell had disabled his home CCTV and covered a doorbell camera with duct tape before leaving his property hooded, armed, and riding his wife Betty's e-bike.
The prosecutor continued:
"Brian Low was out walking his black Labrador Millie, going about his life enjoying his partial retirement.
The shotgun blast killed him within minutes, if not seconds.
Brian Low had no chance - unarmed and unaware.
This was a brazen and brutal execution in a rural spot - a cowardly ambush motivated by nothing more than sheer malice."
Farrell acknowledged there was no direct eyewitness to the killing but emphasized that 20 pieces of circumstantial evidence, while individually minor, collectively formed a compelling case.
He insisted the killing was deliberate and that Low was targeted by an expert marksman.
Campbell denied being the hooded cyclist captured on camera on the day of the shooting, claiming he never wore a hood or hat.
Farrell remarked on Campbell's outdoor work background, stating that his denial was "comical if it were not such a serious matter."
The prosecutor also noted Campbell's familiarity with the local area, which aided in disposing of items such as a firearm and gun bag.
Defence Closing Speech
Defence counsel Tony Lenehan KC acknowledged that Campbell might not be "particularly likeable" during his police interview or in court but emphasized that Campbell consistently denied involvement.
Lenehan stated:
"He may not have been a police fan, but he held firm in his denial about being involved, both with detectives and during his evidence."
He challenged aspects of the prosecution's case, describing it as "an emotional and intellectually demanding sea of evidence." This included questioning the timing of the shooting and the absence of evidence that Campbell owned the type of jacket worn by the cyclist recorded on the day.
Lenehan described Campbell's activities leading up to the shooting as "fairly mundane," such as checking on his football team online and making a phone call to the council regarding planning permission for a garage door.
He asked the jury:
"How do you transition from that, right up to 4pm and within the hour, shooting a man dead over a grievance years old? Does it make sense?"
Next Steps
Judge Lord Scott is scheduled to give legal directions on Monday, after which the jury will begin deliberations to reach a verdict.
