Police watchdog launch probe into canine walker’s gunshot killing
A police watchdog has launched a probe into the demise of a gunshot sufferer after officers did not reveal that it was a homicide case.
Brian Low, 65, who had been strolling his canine, was discovered useless on a distant monitor on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, at round 8.30am on Saturday February 17.
His demise was initially handled as ‘medical or non-suspicious’ nonetheless issues across the wound he had suffered had been raised on February 21 throughout an preliminary medical examination and the police main investigation staff was referred to as in.
A autopsy examination on February 23 established that Mr Low had sustained a deadly gunshot and a homicide inquiry was launched.
The public and media weren’t knowledgeable {that a} homicide inquiry had been launched till February 27, which was 10 days after Mr Low’s physique was discovered by a member of the general public.
Brian Low, 65, who had been strolling his canine, was discovered useless on a distant monitor on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, at round 8.30am on Saturday February 17
Forensics are pictured on the scene the place Mr Low was discovered useless
Detectives have admitted proof might have been misplaced within the delay in organising against the law scene
Detectives have admitted proof might have been misplaced within the delay in organising a crime scene which didn’t occur till 4 days after Mr Low’s physique was found.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) has confirmed that it’s trying into the case.
A Pirc spokesperson stated: ‘On 1 March 2024, Pirc was directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to research the circumstances surrounding the demise of a 65-year-old man found close to Aberfeldy on 17 February 2024.
‘Once the investigation is concluded, a report on our findings shall be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).’
Questions have been raised concerning the police dealing with of the case, with politicians amongst these calling for solutions.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart stated locals had contacted him with ‘issues’ about how the ‘surprising incident’ had been dealt with.
He has written to Police Scotland calling for ‘pressing clarification on what is understood to have occurred so far, and why the investigation was not launched sooner’.
And Perthshire North MSP John Swinney stated he has written to the Chief Constable to ‘search solutions on key questions within the dealing with of this case’.
In a put up on X, previously Twitter, he stated: ‘It is important that public assurance could be given on these points.’
Speaking at a police press convention on Thursday, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall stated that ‘criminality’ was established on Friday February 23, however there have been ‘issues across the harm’ two days earlier.
He stated: ‘Obviously, as soon as it had been established on Wednesday there have been issues concerning the demise, the scene was established at that stage.
‘But, sure, I respect that in that timeframe between the Saturday and Wednesday some issues may have been misplaced, however now we have taken each alternative since to get well each merchandise from that space.’
Mr Low had spent 20 years working for rich businessman Michael Campbell MBE on the close by 4,000-acre Edradynate Estate till final 12 months.
His household stated they’re ‘devastated’ by the loss and are pleading for anybody with info to return ahead.
They stated that Millie, his black Labrador, was fortunately unhurt, and had stayed ‘by his facet for so long as she was allowed’.
Police on the scene within the Pitilie space on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire after 65-year-old Brian Low was discovered useless subsequent to his canine
Speaking to The Courier, his niece Jacqui Low stated: ‘We are at a whole loss as to how this has occurred to Brian.
‘His associate and brothers are devastated and enchantment to anybody who has any info to return ahead.
‘His devoted canine, Millie, stayed by his facet for so long as she was allowed and is being cared for by his instant household.’
Locals additionally paid tribute to the native man, calling him a ‘true gentleman’ and a quiet however ‘good man’.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: ‘We have acquired correspondence and it is going to be responded to in the end.’
In relation to the Pirc investigation, the spokesperson stated: ‘The circumstances have now been referred by Police Scotland to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner. It would due to this fact be inappropriate to remark additional.’
A COPFS spokesperson stated: ‘COPFS has instructed PIRC to research the circumstances surrounding the demise of a 65-year-old man close to Aberfeldy.’
