The mother of Kevin Mcleod – whose death at Wick Harbour 21 years ago remains “unexplained” – has sent a festive card to the Lord Advocate seeking “justice” for the family this Christmas.
The body of the 24-year-old was recovered from the water of the Caithness port on February 9, 1997.
It was discovered he had suffered serious internal injuries and his family believe he was murdered.
Parents Hugh and June believe their son was murdered and have criticised the way the police have handled the case over the years.
It was only last year Police Scotland’s top cop apologised to the family and admitted an instruction to treat the death as murder was given by the then procurator fiscal.
In her letter to the Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, she writes: “I appeal for you to please finally give me this Christmas the justice and answers that I rightly deserve regarding my son Kevin’s horrible death in 1997.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
“Why police had ignored the instruction given to them to investigate Kevin’s death as murder. Were police officers involved in his death. If not, who did kill Kevin?
“Justice for Kevin is all I ask this Christmas.”
Police said they were interviewing 15 people after a new witness came forward claiming he saw two people with Kevin at the harbour before hearing a commotion and then a splash.
It has also been alleged that police officers were at the location.
In May the Lord Advocate instructed an experienced prosecutor to review police handling of the death. It will be carried out by the Crown Office Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division.
Also, the Scottish Government announced that an independent review is to take place into how complaints against the police are handled, to be carried out by the former Lord Advocate, Dame Elish Angiolini.
Mrs McLeod told the Press and Journal: “It’s my wish that the subsequent review of the case instructed by the Lord Advocate earlier this year be complete and for our outstanding questions to be answered by this Christmas.”
A Crown Office spokesman said: “We have received correspondence from the McLeod family and have provided a response to them.
“The family are regularly updated on the case and will be informed of any significant developments.”
