A lady who vanished greater than 45 years in the past was a faithful mom who would by no means have left her son behind, her sister has informed a homicide trial.
William MacDowell, of Penrith in Cumbria, is accused of murdering Renee MacRae, 36, and their son Andrew MacRae in November 1976, and is on trial on the Excessive Court docket in Inverness.
On Thursday, Morag Govans informed the jury of her sister Mrs MacRae’s dedication to her kids.
She stated: “Renee was a faithful mum to her two boys. She adored her boys. That’s what she lived for.”
The 84-year-old informed the trial she and her sister used to cellphone one another each Sunday, and her considerations grew for her welfare when detectives visited her dwelling after the disappearance.
Ms Govans stated: “I used to be very frightened. I knew one thing dreadful had occurred to Renee and Andrew. I knew Renee would by no means have gone away and left her different son Gordon behind.
“I do know Renee wouldn’t have put me via that. She would have contacted me if she had gone anyplace.”
MacDowell is charged with assaulting Mrs MacRae and their three-year-old son on the Dalmagarry layby on the A9 trunk street south of Inverness, or elsewhere, by means unknown, and because of this murdering them.
The 80-year-old can be charged with disposing of their our bodies and belongings by means unknown.
He denies the costs towards him, and has lodged two particular defences of incrimination and alibi.
Earlier than Mrs MacRae’s burnt-out BMW was discovered on November 12, 1976 within the layby, she had informed her estranged husband Gordon MacRae she was going to her sister’s home.
However the courtroom was informed that Valerie Steventon, certainly one of her closest pals, had a conflicting story.
Mrs Govans informed the trial: “She informed me she was away with Andrew’s father for the weekend.
“I phoned Gordon MacRae and informed him what Valarie informed me and I informed the police.”
She stated after the disappearance she referred to as MacDowell, however his spouse answered and stated he didn't need to converse to her.
She later went to his home however didn't get a solution, the courtroom was informed.
MacDowell was the daddy of Andrew, however the courtroom was informed Mrs MacRae saved his identification a secret from others.
Sheila Fraser, 80, knew Mrs MacRae via her husband and was visited by her within the weeks earlier than her disappearance.
She stated Mrs MacRae informed her she was about to embark on a transfer to Shetland with MacDowell.
The 80-year-old informed the courtroom Mrs MacRae gave the impression to be trying ahead to the transfer and every part had been packed up prepared for the transfer.
“She by no means stated when but it surely was imminent, Ms Fraser stated. “She regarded very effectively however I hadn’t seen her for thus lengthy, and it was beautiful to see little Andrew.”
MacDowell’s defence of incrimination and alibi has said he was with others after which later at dwelling on the night of the disappearance.
He claims Mr MacRae, together with others, dedicated the alleged crimes.
A part of his alibi is that he went to the Mercury Motor Inn in Inverness and was within the firm of three males, together with John Davenport, till about 7.15pm that evening.
Mr Davenport informed the courtroom that MacDowell had informed the group current he was to fulfill his spouse at 7pm that night, and made the reference a few instances.
The courtroom additionally heard an announcement from the late Charles MacRae, the brother of Mr MacRae, who informed officers she appeared “off” her husband and that tablets and drink had been present in her dwelling.
The trial continues.