Police officer to be charged with hindering Orkney murder investigation

An Orkney policeman is due to appear in court this week charged with hindering investigations into the murder of Mr Mahmood.

PC Edmund Ross is charged with wilful neglect, violation of his duty and attempting to conceal offences which frustrated the investigation into the killing. PC Ross, due to appear at Inverness High Court, is also charged with having handguns without a certificate.

A three-page indictment says he took the action believing that "suspicion in relation to the murder and the firearm and ammunition used therein might fall on you, members of your family or others of your acquaintance". It also says the policeman knew that the type of ammunition used in the murder was of the same calibre and origin as ammunition in his possession. It further alleges that he failed to immediately tell senior officers about his possession of the ammunition which he had received from a third party.