The estranged husband of a lady who vanished greater than 45 years in the past has instructed a courtroom the person accused of her homicide “didn’t say a phrase” when he was requested if he might assist in the seek for her and her three-year-old son.
William MacDowell, of Penrith, Cumbria, is accused of murdering his son Andrew MacRae and 36-year-old Renee MacRae in November 1976.
Gordon MacRae took to the witness stand on the Excessive Court docket in Inverness on Wednesday.
The 85-year-old instructed the courtroom that he and Mrs MacRae didn't have an excellent marriage, however after they break up that they had an “amicable” relationship.
The courtroom was instructed he knew she was concerned with someone else, however regardless of repeatedly asking if it was somebody he employed at Hugh Macrae Builders Restricted, she wouldn't reveal who it was, and he stated he would sack them if he had came upon.
Mrs MacRae, of Inverness, has not been seen because the evening of November 12, 1976, and her disappearance sparked an enormous police investigation.
MacDowell is charged with assaulting Mrs MacRae and their three-year-old son on the Dalmagarry layby on the A9 trunk highway south of Inverness, or elsewhere, by means unknown, and because of this murdering them.
He's additionally charged with disposing of their our bodies and belongings by means unknown.
Mr MacRae instructed the jury on Wednesday that he requested MacDowell, who was firm secretary, into the boardroom within the days following the invention of a burnt-out BMW within the case, and after he came upon it was MacDowell who was concerned together with her.
Mr MacRae stated he instructed him: “When you may also help the police in any method, please do.
“He didn’t say a phrase the entire time within the boardroom. Not a phrase.”
He then fired MacDowell due to the connection, the courtroom was instructed, and he has by no means seen him once more.
Murray Macara KC, cross-examining Mr MacRae, requested: “When police grew to become concerned, did you at any stage really feel police suspected you could be concerned in Renee’s disappearance?”
Mr MacRae stated he didn't, after which instructed the courtroom he remembered that police had requested to look his home.
MacDowell, 80, denies all fees in opposition to him, and has stated he was at residence that night after work.
He has lodged a particular defence of incrimination and alibi, and claims it was Mr MacRae, performing with others, who dedicated the alleged crime.
Talking in archive footage proven to the jury, Mr MacRae instructed BBC documentary makers: “I might hate to assume it wouldn’t be solved, not just for all people’s sake however I’d like justice to be carried out.
“I’m fairly certain the police will unravel this one.”
MacDowell can also be accused of setting hearth to the BMW, disposing of a pushchair, and of a boot hatch from a Volvo, and it's alleged he did so to keep away from detection, arrest and prosecution.
The trial, earlier than Lord Armstrong, continues and is anticipated to final 4 weeks.