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Malcolm Webster convicted of murder

From: Crown Office

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

News Release

19 May 2011

MALCOLM WEBSTER CONVICTED OF MURDER

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Malcolm Webster was found guilty of murdering his wife Claire Webster or Morris, and attempting to murder his second wife Felicity Drumm.

He was also found guilty of a range of crimes stretching over a 14-year period, from 1994 to 2008, including theft, fraud and attempted bigamy.

His conviction, after a 16-week trial, represents the culmination of a vast and pain-staking investigation by Grampian Police, New Zealand police, COPFS and other criminal justice agencies in the UK and New Zealand over a number of years.

The conviction also highlights the significant advancements made in science and technology over the last two decades. Developments in forensic toxicology, forensic accountancy, crash investigation and fire investigation techniques were all crucial in gathering the evidence required in law to prosecute Malcolm Webster.

Lindsey Miller, Head of the Serious and Organised Crime Division (SOCD) at COPFS, said:

"This was a hugely complex case, involving hundreds of witnesses, productions, and financial documentary evidence stretching over a 14-year period. A vast amount of painstaking work went into this investigation and prosecution.

"Webster was a calculating criminal who wove a web of lies and deceit around people who entered his life in good faith. He took careful steps to cover up his crimes, including using specialist medical knowledge gained through his career as a nurse.

"It is thanks also to the determination of police and prosecutors together with significant advancements made in forensic science technology and investigation techniques over the last two decades that the evidence required to prosecute Webster became available.

"I would like to commend the persistence and tenacity of all those who worked tirelessly to bring Webster to justice for these appalling crimes."

ENDS

Communications

0844 561 3984

www.copfs.gov.uk