A person accused of murdering a lady and their three-year-old son was “scrubbing” his firm automobile when a employee went to his home to retrieve it, a courtroom has heard.
William MacDowell, of Penrith in Cumbria, is accused of killing his son Andrew MacRae and the kid’s 36-year-old mom Renee MacRae in November 1976.
The Excessive Court docket in Inverness was on Friday learn an announcement from the late Kenneth Rock, who sorted the vehicles at Hugh Macrae Builders Restricted, and proven a video interview with him.
He mentioned that after MacDowell was sacked by Mrs MacRae’s estranged husband Gordon MacRae, he was tasked with retrieving the corporate automobile.
Within the assertion, Mr Rock had mentioned: “I bought there and he refused to deliver it in. He was really cleansing it. He was cleansing it out and mentioned he would return it when he completed.”
Mr Rock mentioned MacDowell was “scrubbing” the automobile out, and it appeared like he had the boot up.
He advised a police officer within the video interview: “I feel he returned it the subsequent day. Then, I feel it was handed over to your individuals.”
The courtroom was advised Mr Rock didn't suppose it was uncommon for him to be cleansing his automobile.
MacDowell, now 80, is charged with assaulting Mrs MacRae and Andrew on the Dalmagarry layby on the A9 trunk street south of Inverness, or elsewhere, by means unknown, and in consequence murdering them.
He's additionally charged with disposing of their our bodies and belongings by means unknown.
He denies the fees in opposition to him and has lodged a particular defence of incrimination and alibi.
The trial continues.