Judge sends island murder jurors home as one falls ill

JURORS in the trial of two men accused of murdering a neighbour and burying his body on a island were sent home yesterday after one of the jury fell ill.

John Campbell, 59, and Stephen Crummack, 51, deny killing Robert Rose,a former construction worker, at his home on Sanday in Orkney. Mr Rose, from Yorkshire, moved to the island about 15 months before his death last June.

He was reported missing on 8 June and his body was found in sand dunes at Sty Wick on Sanday more than two weeks later.

Campbell and Crummack deny murdering Mr Rose at his home, Braehowar, on 6 or 7 June last year and stealing his wallet and cash.

The jury at the High Court in Glasgow retired to consider its verdict, but was sent home at about 3:30pm yesterday after one of the jurors became unwell.

Judge Lord Turnbull said: "I've been given to understand that one of the jury is not feeling well this afternoon. It's important that everyone is in a position to fully and effectively participate in your decision-making process."

The jury will return to continue its deliberations today.