The murder of Robert Rose
Crown Office
2 March 2010
At the High Court in Glasgow today John Campbell was convicted of the murder of Robert Rose, and of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Stephen Crummack was convicted of culpable homicide and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Sentencing has been deferred in respect of both accused until 30th March 2010 at Glasgow High Court.
Speaking after the verdict, Sue Foard, District Procurator Fiscal at Kirkwall, said:
"This was a crime which shocked the community in Orkney and people across Scotland. John Campbell killed Robert Rose in his own home and with Stephen Crummack used his car to transport his body to a place where they hoped it would never be found.
"The attack on Mr Rose, the callous concealment of his remains and the repeated attempts of both accused to deflect attention away from their involvement in his death caused considerable anguish to his family and friends, who were forced to wait nearly two weeks before his body was recovered.
"Serious crime such as this is thankfully very rare in the Orkney Isles, which remain one of the safest places in Scotland to live. We worked closely with the police in what was a painstaking investigation to identify the perpetrators and prepare the case for prosecution, using the latest technology to present the circumstances clearly to the jury.
"I hope that today's convictions bring some comfort to Mr Rose's loved ones. I also hope that the community on Sanday, and all those across the Highlands and Islands who were appalled by this murder, take confidence from the fact that these men have been brought to justice."
Notes for Editors
1. The police investigation and the prosecution utilised a 'return to scene' graphic, prepared by the SPSA on behalf of Northern Constabulary.
2. Photographic productions are available from Crown Office Communications on request.
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