Skye man who killed his brother-in-law was affected by a catastrophic event, lawyer says

Mr MacDonald denies killing his brother-in-law John MacKinnon in a shooting rampage in Teangue, Skye.

He presented a special defense to the charge at a time when his ability to determine or control his actions was substantially impaired by mental abnormality.

He also denies attempting to murder his wife Rowena at their home in Tarskavaig, Skye, and attempting to murder John and Fay MacKenzie at Dornie, Wester Ross.

Mr Findlay told jurors in his closing speech: “Whatever you have been thinking about all these days, I would be surprised if you were not deeply affected by much of what you have seen and heard.”

He said that his client was not convicted of any crime, but one day he killed a man, endangered his wife’s life, and injured others.

Mr Findlay said: “Something catastrophic has happened somewhere.”

A psychologist had previously told the hearing that at the time of the alleged murder Mr MacDonald was affected by autism and post-traumatic stress disorder, along with depression, anxiety and an underlying personality disorder.

Mr. Findlay argued that the prosecution did everything it could to mislead jurors into thinking that whether Mr. MacDonald had autism was irrelevant.

The lawyer said there was a sub-scenario where autism was not taken into account. He added: “But of course it is.

“He was born with it and has had no practical help since childhood.

“It’s a simple fact that he didn’t get any help.”