Suzanne Pilley trial defence lawyer may have grounds for appeal

LAWYERS for David Gilroy may seize on a prosecution error as they look for grounds for appeal.

During the oral evidence of an expert witness about the possible cause of injuries to Gilroy, copies of a written report by the witness were given to the jurors.

It had been intended that part of the report would be cut, literally, from the copies because the defence had complained that the expert had strayed from giving an opinion into speculation. However, three copies were missed and were among those distributed to the jury.

Defence counsel, Jack Davidson, QC, asked for the trial to be aborted and to start again before a new jury.

Lord Bracadale ruled the trial should proceed.