Police apologise to family for failings in investigation into man’s death in 1997

PAUL WARD

Kevin McLeod was found in Wick harbour.

from Mr McLeod’s parents Hugh and June.

Earlier this year, Police Scotland said it was “assessing the information” from the case, but has now concluded there is no evidence “which would clearly indicate the circumstances surrounding the cause of Kevin’s death, either criminally or accidentally”.

The force remains “fully committed” to

investigate any new evidence that may come to light.

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, currently the most senior officer in the force, met with Mr McLeod’s parents yesterday and apologised over the handling of the case by the former Northern Constabulary.

Mr Livingstone said: “I have today met with Mr and Mrs Mcleod to personally apologise for the policing response to their son Kevin’s death in 1997. The tragic events leading to the recovery of Kevin’s body from Wick Harbour left Mr and Mrs Mcleod with a 20-year search for answers.

“I can only imagine the pain and trauma their family has suffered and I have nothing but the highest admiration for their strength and determination in seeking those answers.”

Mr McLeod, who was an electrician, was last seen in the early hours of February 8, 1997, as he enjoyed a night out with friends. His body was recovered from the sea the following day.

After the initial review, former Northern Constabulary chief constable Ian Latimer said the force “had rewritten the crime management handbook’’ in the wake of the case.

Mr Livingstone said the family’s belief there were serious failings had been substantiated by a number of reviews.