Renee trial told of man with ‘staring eyes’

A MAN with ‘wide and staring’ eyes was seen leaning over a pushchair heaped with clothes beside the lay-by where Renee MacRae’s BMW was found on fire, a court has heard.

Teacher Jean Wallace, who has since died, had said she thought the man’s expression was caused by ‘fear and panic’.

A statement given by her in April 1977 was yesterday read out by Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes to a jury at the High Court in Inverness where William MacDowell is standing trial for the murders of Mrs MacRae, 36, pictured, and her son Andrew, three.

MacDowell is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of their bodies and other belongings.

Mrs Wallace said at the time of her sighting she and her husband had been driving north on the A9 at Dalmagarry on November 12, 1976, the night Mrs MacRae and Andrew disappeared.

MacDowell, 80, has denied all the charges and lodged two special defences of alibi and incrimination. The trial continues.