Scots scientist murdered in Tasmania

AN internationally-renowned Scots scientist has been brutally murdered alongside his partner at their luxury home in Tasmania.

Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, who graduated from Edinburgh University in 1969, and Dr Del Weston were found bludgeoned to death in the lounge of their property in the idyllic Mountain River area – a small hamlet near the capital Hobart.

Dr Weston’s son from a previous relationship, Nicolau Francisco Soares, 27, has been charged with the murders.

Police said the couple had suffered horrific head injuries and a hammer and sledgehammer were found next to the bodies.

Professor Mooney was regarded as Australia’s leading health economist after emigrating from Scotland almost 20 years ago.

A former North Berwick High School pupil, he landed his first job at Standard Life in the Capital.

Detective Inspector Peter Powell said: “The only person who really knows what occurred in that house now is the man we have in custody.

“There was some sign in the room of a disturbance, but as to who was attacked first or how the altercation commenced, we don’t know.”