Court / MacDougall/Smith appeal case to be heard next month
A DATE has been set for judges to hear an appeal brought by islanders Ross MacDougall and Dawn Smith who believe they were wrongfully convicted of murdering Tracy Walker in Lerwick almost two years ago.
Lawyers for the pair will address the Court of Criminal Appeal on 9 June.
Thirty two year old MacDougall and Smith, aged 29, were handed life sentences at the High Court in Edinburgh after a jury found them guilty of brutally killing 40 year old Tracy Walker in July 2019.
Passing sentence in December last year Judge Lord Uist told MacDougall he would have to serve a minimum of 23 years before he could apply for parole.
Smith was told she would have to serve at least 20 years and two months before she could hope for release from custody.
Both have now instructed lawyers to argue that they have fallen victims to miscarriages of justice and should have their convictions quashed.
Lawyers are also appealing that the sentences imposed on the duo were also excessive.
During proceedings last year, the High Court in Edinburgh heard that the pair targeted Tracy Walker because they needed money to buy drugs and knew she had £100 on her.
James Mulholland of Edinburgh Courts Press Services
Space2face
Space2face Shetland is an independent and confidential service which uses Restorative Justice and the arts to bring those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. We enable everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
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