Killer who murdered Renee MacRae and toddler handed £52k in legal aid to pay for failed defence


THE fiend who murdered mum Renee MacRae and their toddler was handed £52,000 in legal aid — to pay for his failed defence.

William MacDowell, 81, got the taxpayers’ cash for his trial, where he was convicted of slaughtering his secret lover Renee, 36, and their son Andrew, three, in 1976.

Victims Renee MacRae, 36, (left) and three-year-old Andrew Macrae (right).

2

Victims Renee MacRae, 36, (left) and three-year-old Andrew Macrae (right).Credit: PA
Murderer William MacDowell at the Inverness Justice Centre after being sentenced to life in prison.

2

Murderer William MacDowell at the Inverness Justice Centre after being sentenced to life in prison.Credit: PA

He’s snubbed pleas from the vi- ctims’ family and police to admit what he did with their bodies.

Scots Tory MSP Jamie Greene — who is proposing a law to stop killers being released until they lead cops to remains — said yesterday: “Loved ones will be outraged that MacDowell managed to claim tens of thousands of taxpayers’ cash while harbouring this crucial information.”

It was claimed Renee, of Inverness, had been on her way to meet MacDowell — who worked for her husband Gordon’s building firm — when she disappeared.

Witnesses said they heard a blood-curdling scream and saw a man pushing a child’s buggy along the A9.

What happened to Renee and Andrew MacRae? Timeline of events revealed
Renee MacRae's killer to appeal conviction after being jailed for life

MacDowell, from Penrith, Cumbria, maintained his innocence but was jailed for at least 30 years in October.

His solicitor had said he intended to appeal but the deadline passed last month.

A Scottish Legal Aid Board spokesman said: “Legal aid is paid to solicitors to represent people accused of serious crimes to help ensure a jury can reach an appropriate verdict.”

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200





Source link