HMA v MALCOLM WEBSTER

A jury site visit to the locus has been arranged and the following guidance has been issued.

On 22 February 2011 the jury in the trial of Malcolm Webster is scheduled to visit the locus, which is located on a section of the Auchenhuive to Tarves Road, Kingoodie, Aberdeenshire.

The jury is expected to arrive at approximately 10.00am.

Between 10.00am and 10.30am  the jury will inspect the locus.  They will then board the bus and depart the scene for approximately one hour whilst a replica vehicle is winched into place within the locus.  The jury will then return to the locus to view the vehicle in situ. 

Once the visit has concluded the jury will board the bus and depart for Glasgow.

Lord Bannatyne has issued the following guidance in relation to media coverage of this event.

1. The media may film/photograph the bus on which the jury will arrive but must not film/photograph any member of the jury.

2. The media must not film/photograph the jury, judge, counsel, solicitors or the accused at any time during the locus visit.

3. The media must not film/photograph anything that occurs during the presence of the jury at the locus.  In addition they cannot film/photograph the vehicle being placed into position by the crane.

4. The media will be allowed access to the locus from the main access road (A947 - which is the route via which the jury will arrive), upon production of identification prior to 9.30 am only.   At 9.30 am the police will close this road and the media will have to gain access from the opposite end (Cairnbrogie crossroads).

5. Between 9.30am and 9.45am, prior to the arrival of the jury, the media may film/photograph the locus.  At the end of the visit, when the jury has departed, the media will be allowed to film/photograph the replica vehicle in position for a period of 15 minutes.  They will not be permitted to film the replica vehicle being removed.

6. The police will allocate a parking area for the media on the closed road. The media may bring their vehicles forward once the jury has left.

 If you have any further questions please contact the Judicial Office for Scotland