David Campbell, 77, a retired gamekeeper, was found guilty of murdering his former colleague Brian Low, 65, with a shotgun. The case is the subject of a new ITV documentary, Murder Trial: Death of a Dog Walker, which airs in two parts starting tonight at 9pm.
Mr Low's body was discovered on Leafy Lane near Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire on the morning of 17 February 2024. His dog Millie was still by his side. Initially, police believed his injuries were consistent with a fall, as he had blood on his face and hands. However, a post-mortem examination revealed around 30 shotgun pellet injuries, prompting a murder investigation.
Delayed Investigation and Discovery
The initial misclassification meant a cordon was not erected at the crime scene until 23 February, six days after Mr Low's body was found. A murder inquiry was launched 10 days after the discovery. The delay potentially impacted forensic opportunities, leading the prosecution to rely on circumstantial evidence at trial.
Campbell had worked with Mr Low at the nearby Edradynate Estate for more than 20 years, but a rift had developed between them. The jury heard that Campbell suspected Mr Low of "planting" items allegedly found during a raid on his then-home on the estate after alleged bird poisonings. Campbell had been removed from the estate in 2017 after working there for more than 30 years.
Motive and Evidence at Trial
Campbell admitted spreading "absolute lies" about Mr Low, claiming he was "ordered" to do so by his former and late boss Michael Campbell as part of efforts to get rid of Mr Low. Jurors were also shown a formal written warning sent to Mr Low in May 2011 for indulging in "cruel gossip" about Campbell and his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Campbell.
Key evidence included Campbell covering CCTV at his home on the day of the killing, and footage of a figure riding through Aberfeldy on a distinctive bicycle heading towards the murder scene. The prosecution said the bike had similarities to one belonging to his wife, including a distinct wing mirror on the right handlebar. One witness testified that Campbell later asked a bike repair shop to change the tyres.
Conviction and Sentencing
Campbell gave evidence in his own defence, claiming he spent most of the day inside his house. However, after three days of deliberations, the jury found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years, meaning he cannot apply for parole until 2045, when he would be aged around 96.
The documentary, which highlights the challenges of the investigation, airs its first part tonight at 9pm on ITV, with the conclusion following next week.
