Lies were told and records altered.. we have always believed Neil was killed in custody
Family claim police dumped body
Jennifer Hyland
The family of a teenager who died almost 30 years ago have hired a private investigator to probe his death.
Neil Riddel was 19 when his body was found in a field near his home in Keith, Banffshire, in July 1991.
A fatal accident inquiry ruled he had taken his own life but his family believe he died in police custody and was dumped there. They say the apprentice blacksmith had lodged a complaint over an assault by an officer shortly before his death.
Now, Neil’s older brother Ian has hired a private eye to re-interview witnesses. He claims they have told him that although they signed statements, they were never allowed to read them.
Ian, 51, a mechanic who still lives in Keith, hopes the former police detective carrying out the private investigation will uncover differences in statements taken by Grampian Police.
Ian said: “According to the police, Neil left the house and committed suicide. My family have always believed he was killed in custody. Lies were told and records altered to cover it up.
“Neil had put in a complaint saying he’d been assaulted in custody. He couldn’t have been found dead in custody with that investigation going on.
“A number of people who spoke to police at the time have told me they signed witness statements but weren’t allowed to read them. A private investigator will take the statements again so I can show the two accounts don’t add up.”
Tests showed Neil died from an overdose of anti- depressants, with subsequent inquiries deciding there were no suspicious circumstances.
However, Ian said refusal by police to release details about his death fuelled their concerns. In September 2019, the family complained to the Scottish Police Authority but no action was taken.
Last year, the family wrote to the Solicitor General saying they had “serious misgivings” over the police investigation and requested the Crown Office reopen it. They were told they would receive a response last week but have not been contacted.
Neil’s mum, Margaret, lost her battle with cancer last December, a year after his dad, also Ian, died.
Brother Ian said: “I’ve lost my mum and dad but I’m fighting on for justice for my brother. For the last 30 years of their lives, all they did was try to find out what happened to their son.
“A week before my mother died, our solicitor sent a letter to the Lord Advocate, which was passed to the Solicitor General. They promised we would have word by December 10 but I’ve not heard anything. The last thing I ever spoke to my mother about was the letter. She was really pleased.
“I’m hopeful. I want the response to say we can have a new investigation. I finally want to see answers and justice for my brother’s death.”
Police Scotland assistant chief constable John Hawkins said: “If any new information comes to light, it will be assessed.”
The Crown Office is considering the case and said it will update the family in the “very near future”.