Wick family 'left in dark' over death
THE family of Kevin Mcleod, whose body was found in Wick harbour 22 years ago, claim they are being "left in the dark" over a review into his death.
His mother and father, June and Hugh Mcleod, and other relatives have been waiting 15 months to get answers on a police investigation launched in January 2018. The probe was undertaken after an alleged eyewitness claimed to have heard a splash and seen two police officers watch Kevin struggle in the water in the early hours of February 8, 1997.
A number of people were interviewed as a result and a report submitted by Detective Chief Inspector Martin Bell to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) but no decision has yet been made about what happens now – much to the frustration of the Mcleod family.
They believe Kevin, who was 24, was murdered but the police have said his death was the result of a tragic accident.
In an email to the Mcleods, deputy crown agent Lindsey Miller stated: "DCI Bell’s report together with subsequently submitted materials are being given active consideration by the review team.
"They are assessing next steps in relation to approaches to further witnesses and a decision will be made as soon as possible in this regard. A further update will be provided during the week commencing April 29."
Responding, June and Hugh Mcleod said: "It is the family’s view that the COPFS is being unjustifiably evasive by failing to confirm whether a potential eyewitness who claimed to have seen Kevin lying on the ground unresponsive then allegedly witnessed two named men throw Kevin in the harbour has or has not been interviewed by homicide detectives.
"If this alleged eyewitness had not been recently interviewed by detectives then serious questions must be addressed regarding the credibility and thoroughness of the recent alleged investigation undertaken by Police Scotland and the integrity of their reports submitted to the COPFS.
"The COPFS are no doubt aware that we have no trust or faith regarding any enquiry allegedly undertaken to investigate Kevin’s death either by legacy force Northern Constabulary or indeed Police Scotland.
"This being the reason why we previously requested for the COPFS to invite a independent police force to investigate claims of police involvement with Kevin’s death, and to investigate why police ignored and had failed to act on the procurator fiscal specific instruction on February 10, 1997, to treat and investigate Kevin’s death as murder."
A second review is also being carried out into the case. Scotland's Lord Advocate, James Wolffe, instructed the Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division (CAAPD) to undertake an independent review a year ago.
Kevin's uncle, Allan Mcleod, said it is "extremely frustrating and totally unacceptable" to have to wait so long for answers.
"We want to know if Police Scotland, after a prolonged, in-depth investigation, is about to make any arrests in connection with Kevin's death. We also want to know if COPFS is about to charge any former/serving police officers with gross negligence and obstructing the course of justice.
"Both police and the COPFS tell the family nothing of significance and continue to leave us in the dark."
