Police chief has ‘no plans’ to meet with unsolved murder victim’s family

Police Scotland’s chief constable has “no plans” to meet with the family of the victim of an unsolved murder after they said they have no confidence in the force to solve the crime.

Jo Farrell said that she was “absolutely committed” to delivering justice for the loved ones of Alistair Wilson, who was gunned down at his home in Nairn almost 20 years ago, but suggested it was not her role to speak with the family personally.

Mr Wilson, a father of two, was shot on his doorstep in November 2004, in a case that has baffled detectives.

His killer reportedly arrived at his home on the evening of Nov 28 and asked his wife Veronica for him by name. The 30 year-old was then handed an empty blue envelope with the word “Paul” written on it by his assailant, went back inside briefly, before returning to the door where he was shot three times.

The Lord Advocate, Scotland’s top law officer, said last week that she had ordered a “complete re-investigation” of the assassination.

But Mr Wilson’s family issued a scathing statement at the weekend, criticising Ms Farrell for refusing their request for a meeting and branding the force “incompetent”.

Ms Farrell said on Monday that she had “no immediate plans to meet the family” but it was “important” that a newly-appointed senior investigating officer and family liaison officers did so.

“We’re absolutely committed to trying to solve and get justice for the family of Alistair Wilson,” she said.

“This has been, over a number of years, a very, very extensive investigation.

“We will now work further to try and bring justice for the family. We are absolutely committed to try and get justice and find the person who’s responsible for that crime.”

Last week, Andrew Wilson, Mr Wilson’s eldest son, was critical of the force’s handling of the case.

The 24 year-old said: “I cannot understand why... Jo Farrell won’t rethink our request for a meeting, it brings into question her position too.

“What we have suffered is nothing short of incompetent police leadership and, if it continues, it risks getting in the way of catching my dad’s killer and getting the justice we as a family deserve.”