Man on Trial for Skye Murder and Multiple Attempted Murders Cites 'Moment of Madness'

Finlay MacDonald claims diminished responsibility, citing mental health struggles and marital breakdown before the 2022 attacks.

Finlay MacDonald, 41, is accused of murdering his brother-in-law and attempting to murder his wife and two others in a series of violent incidents on August 10, 2022, on the Isle of Skye and Wester Ross.
MacDonald told police he stabbed his wife after discovering text messages suggesting she planned to leave him, describing the act as a 'moment of madness' and claiming he felt 'total darkness' afterwards.
He allegedly shot and killed his brother-in-law John MacKinnon and fired at Fay and John MacKenzie, injuring them, before being subdued by police.
In court, MacDonald cited mental and physical health issues, including chronic pain and depression, as contributing factors to his actions, claiming his ability to control his behavior was impaired.
The trial continues, with MacDonald denying all charges and presenting a special defense of diminished responsibility, which could lead to a reduced culpable homicide conviction if accepted by the jury.