It was meant to be an offer that should not have been refused from a man who didn’t intend to kill. But it was refused. That was fatal
MESSAGE AND WHY BANKER WAS SHOT DEAD
Writer on source’s claim that gunman planned to negotiate and not to assassinate
The gunman who murdered banker Alistair Wilson did not plan to kill him, according to a new theory on the unsolved case.
Ex- detective Peter Bleksley has uncovered startling information that suggests Alistair was not meant to die the night he was shot on his doorstep.
The former Scotland Yard officer has been told that the killer made an offer to the dad of two – and if Alistair had accepted, he would have lived.
Alistair, 30, a business manager with Bank of Scotland, was shot three times on November 28, 2004, at his home in Nairn.
Minutes earlier, he had put his young children to bed.
Bleksley, who was with the Metropolitan Police for 21 years, has been told that the killer went to “negotiate not assassinate”.
However when Alistair did not agree to his proposal, he was executed.
Bleksley, now a respected writer and a co-presenter on Channel 4 reality TV series Hunted, spent five days in Nairn last month when he flooded homes and shops with leaflets appealing for information.
He received numerous calls, including one claiming to detail the killer’s true intentions 13 years ago.
Bleksley said: “This is information from a very credible source who knows all the players. This is not my theory.
“The information is that the man who went to the front door of the house went to negotiate and not assassinate.
“He was prepared to kill, clearly because he had a gun, but he did not intend to kill. Something went wrong.
“It could mean that Alistair was given an offer which he could not refuse but in fact he did and consequently paid with his life.
“I’ve also been told it’s common knowledge among some in the legal profession in the central belt as to why Alistair was murdered.
“Those in the know will not come forward for fears that an assassin will shoot them.”
Bleksley’s source said an envelope which the killer handed to Alistair is key.
The banker took it upstairs to show wife Veronica. When he returned to the door, he was shot. The envelope was never seen again.
Bleksley claims the exchange over the envelope proves that the killer did not intend at first to shoot Alistair.
He added: “The killer was taking a tremendous risk hanging about on the doorstep as it increased his chances of being identified. He also risked leaving a treasure trove of evidence on the envelope. Why let your victim go back in the house with all the risks? That’s because he was originally delivering an envelope not a bullet.”
Bleksley plans to return to Nairn today to speak to more people in a bid to get closer to the truth. His findings will form a book about the murder, expected out next year.
The investigator also now believes that the killer may have used a getaway car which was possibly driven by an accomplice.
A 1920s German pistol used in the murder – small enough to be concealed in the shooter’s palm – was found abandoned in a drain a few days later by council workmen.
But there was no evidence on the weapon that could lead police to the gunman.
While in Nairn last month, Bleksley examined the killer’s possible escape route and the drain where the gun was left.
He added: “The drain would have been on the passenger’s side. I don’t believe the killer would drive off on his own, get out of the car, walk round and put the gun in the drain.
“He would have got the driver to stop then he would have opened the door and dropped
it in the drain. That in itself shows a degree of planning.”
Bleksley says Alistair’s decision to leave the bank may be significant. He was due to start work with an Inverness environmental consultancy a fortnight later.
The ex-detective thinks the e killer may have been trying g to change Alistair’s mind.
He added: “Alistair was s serving his notice at the bank. k.
“Did he want him to remain at the bank? Was he shot because he owed money? y?
“Don’t underestimate how ow ruthless people can be if they hey lose money. Was Alistair told old to put something in the envelope ope – for example money? What was in the envelope? These are the questions I’d like answered.” .”
Bleksley wants Police Scotland land to reveal the information they have on the envelope. It has been said the name Paul was scribbled on the front but detectives have not confirmed this.
Bleksley met with officers working on the case last month and submitted questions about the case. They have not replied.
He added: “The envelope is a golden ticket and the police must use it. They’ve had 13 years to solve this and failed. Why can’t that information go out in the public domain?
“I have an open mind on this murder and while in Nairn this week, I’d welcome calls from anyone with information.”
Alistair’s killer has been described as in his 30s, 5ft 4in to 5ft 8in, of stocky build and wearing a baseball cap and dark jacket.
Police have always insisted there is no evidence Alistair was involved in illegal business practices.
Detective Super intendent Gar y Cunningham said: “Officers have met with Mr Bleksley and he has been invited to share any new information he has with us.
“Our priority is to solve this murder in order to bring the person responsible to justice, for the sake of Alistair’s family who understandably want answers.”