The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Shaun’s mum charged with wasting cops’ time
Thought texts related to son’s disappearance involved
The mother of a north-east man who has been missing for nearly two years has been charged with wasting police time.
Shaun Ritchie vanished in woodlands on Halloween 2014 after a night out with friends.
Hismum, Carol Roy, is convinced “foul play” was involved in his disappearance.
She has repeatedly called on the police to consider the possibility her eldest son died as the result of criminal activity – a theory supported by a psychic medium who visited the search site.
But now – as the second anniversary of her son’s disappearance approaches – Miss Roy has herself been charged by police.
It is understood the charges relate to anonymous text messages sent to close friends and family of the missing man, suggesting he was killed.
It is believed one message was a fake death threat which warned the recipient not to contact the police.
Last night, a police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm a 38year-old woman has been charged in connection with wasting police time.
“A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”
Shaun was 20 when he vanished in the Greenburn area, between Strichen and Fraserburgh.
Despite a huge search, he remains missing, presumed dead.
Medical experts believe he may have become disorientated in freezing conditions and stumbled into a bog.
Miss Roy previously told the Press and Journal she was struggling to cope living in Fraserburgh because she is surrounded by constant reminders of her son.
During the investigation Miss Roy said her “mother’s instincts” told her there was “foul play” involved in Shaun’s disappearance.
But officers leading the investigation are adamant there has never been any evidence of criminality.
“It is believed one message was a fake death threat”