It’s time to drop 17-year murder case, says accused

Published on Tuesday 24 January 2012 02:49

A MAN accused of murder 17 years ago but never brought to trial has urged prosecutors to drop the case formally.

James Grieve Donaldson, 45, said living with the allegation surrounding him has made it hard for him to find work.

He has also suffered from depression and has had difficulties in his relationships with family and friends, it was reported.

Mr Donaldson was charged with murder in 1995.

The allegation was reportedly over the death of his father, 59-year-old Harry Murray, a security guard who was assaulted as he patrolled the site of the Dundee factory where he worked on March 31 that year.

Following his initial court appearance, Mr Donaldson – who maintains his innocence – was remanded in custody.

However, after several weeks behind bars, he was released on bail and told he could return home to Dundee.

The case has never gone to trial and he has not been returned to custody.

Mr Donaldson and his lawyers have reportedly tried to persuade the Crown Office drop the case, citing a lack of evidence to take the case to trial.

He said prospective employers backed off when they asked if he had any criminal proceedings pending.

Mr Donaldson said: “Technically I do, I am an accused murderer, but I have never been brought to trial and the case against me has never been dropped. What employer would take me on after that answer?

“I’ve suffered from depression, and in the early days I thought about ending it all – but I couldn’t.

“I’ve good relationships with my family again, but for a while some of my closest relatives wouldn’t speak to me,” he went on. “I’ve also lost some friends, but not all of them.”

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: “This incident falls within our unresolved category of crimes and, as such, is one that is subject to regular review.”