Skye shooting-accused was ‘fully in control’ of his actions, jury told during closing speech

In a closing speech during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, prosecutor Liam Ewing KC informed the jury that the accused in the Skye shooting case, Finlay MacDonald, was “fully in control” of his actions when he allegedly murdered his brother-in-law and attempted to murder three others. Ewing stated that MacDonald’s behaviour on the day of the attacks did not show significant impairment due to any psychological condition, as evidenced by the targeted and controlled actions he took after stabbing his wife multiple times in their family home on Skye on August 10, 2022.

MacDonald, 41, is charged with murdering his brother-in-law, John MacKinnon, by repeatedly firing a shotgun at him in the village of Teangue on Skye. Additionally, he is accused of shooting at a married couple, Fay and John MacKenzie, in the village of Dornie, Wester Ross, on the same day. He also faces an attempted murder charge for repeatedly stabbing his wife, Rowena, in Tarskavaig on Skye’s Sleat peninsula. MacDonald is further charged with possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor highlighted MacDonald’s ability to drive to different locations, select his victims, and carry out the attacks over an extended period as proof that he was in control of his actions. The defence argued that MacDonald’s actions were influenced by long-standing psychological conditions such as autism, PTSD, and a personality disorder, along with recent events that culminated in the alleged attacks.

MacDonald’s lawyer, Donald Findlay KC, contended that his client’s actions were not premeditated and were a result of a series of factors leading up to August 10. Findlay pointed to MacDonald’s reaction to discovering flirtatious messages on his wife’s phone, which allegedly triggered his actions, stating that his autism prevented him from rationalising the situation like others might. The defence also disputed claims of planning or premeditation, noting that MacDonald already owned multiple firearms prior to the alleged attacks.

The trial continues in front of Judge Lady Drummond at the High Court in Edinburgh. The jury is tasked with determining whether MacDonald’s actions were the result of diminished responsibility due to an abnormality of mind. The case has sparked discussions around mental health, control of behaviour, and the legal complexities surrounding criminal actions influenced by psychological conditions.

**Insights and Summary:**

The Skye shooting trial brings to light the delicate balance between mental health, personal responsibility, and criminal actions. The prosecution and defence present contrasting views on MacDonald’s state of mind and control over his actions, raising important questions about how the law addresses cases where psychological factors may have played a significant role. The case underscores the need for a nuanced approach to understanding and evaluating the intersection of mental health and criminal behaviour in the judicial system.