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Michael Ross' lawyer describes Orkney Assassin as 'well-mannered' and 'gentle' in Prime Video documentary

Michael Ross' lawyer describes Orkney Assassin as 'well-mannered' and 'gentle' in Prime Video documentary

Daily Record09-06-2025
Michael Ross was convicted of the murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood in 2008, with his lawyer opening up on the convicted killer in a new Prime Video documentary.
Convicted murderer Michael Ross has been described as "gentle" by his lawyer in a new one-off documentary.
The Orkney Assassin: Murder In The Isles premiered on Prime Video on Sunday, June 8, providing audiences insight from officers, journalists, witnesses, and Ross's parents regarding the murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood.

In 2008, Ross faced conviction for the murder of the Indian restaurant waiter, which occurred 14 years prior and recieved a life sentence.

Throughout the trial, Donald Findlay provided Ross' defence, but as disclosed in the documentary, with more than 10 years remaining until parole eligibility, Ross sought new representation.
Lawyer Aamer Anwar was hired for the position but expressed his initial doubts about taking on the case.
Anwar commented in the documentary: "So when it came in, there was some healthy cynicism.
"'Why me? You know my reputation. You know I fight injustice, human rights and on race' but they said that's exactly the reason why Michael wanted me to have a look at the case.
"And when I met Michael, he was well mannered, considered, gentle."

Ross, since his sentencing, has consistently proclaimed his innocence and has made three attempts to escape prison, the most recent being a 2018 incident where he tried to scale a fence.
Anwar added: "And the fact that in all these years, he's maintained his innocence.
"That always strikes me when somebody refuses to take the easy option and go 'you know what, I'm guilty' to try and get out earlier.
"But he's refused to do that, he says he cannot do that, he insists he's an innocent man. And it's never ended."
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