Skye shooting suspect accused of stabbing wife after discovering messages with colleague

A man accused of a shooting on Skye has been charged with stabbing his wife after discovering messages on her phone with a colleague. The court heard that Finlay MacDonald attacked his wife, Rowena MacDonald, at their family home on Skye. Rowena MacDonald explained in court that her husband became upset and angry when he found messages on her phone from a colleague, whom he suspected she was having an affair with. The mother of four described how the situation escalated when her husband started stabbing her with a knife after confronting her about the messages. She expressed her terror as the attack continued and their children witnessed the violence.

Rowena MacDonald shared that she managed to escape and call emergency services while her husband drove off. Paramedics and police arrived at the scene and she was airlifted to a hospital in Glasgow. The court also heard that at the time of the attack, the couple’s relationship was strained, and she had been planning to move out of their home. Finlay MacDonald faces charges of attempting to murder his wife and murdering his brother-in-law, John MacKinnon, on the same day. He is also accused of other attempted murder charges and possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life. MacDonald has pleaded not guilty to the charges, stating that his ability to control his conduct was impaired by an abnormality of mind. The trial is ongoing before judge Lady Drummond.

This harrowing incident sheds light on the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in such situations. It serves as a reminder of the need to address issues of anger and control within relationships to prevent tragic outcomes. The bravery of Rowena MacDonald in speaking out and seeking justice is commendable, and it highlights the resilience of survivors of such traumatic experiences. This case also underscores the vital role of the legal system in holding perpetrators of violence to account and providing support to victims.