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Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Family of 'cheese wire' murder victim say killer may have confessed behind bars
Heartbroken relatives have called for former prisoners to come forward to help solve long running Scots cold case. The family of a taxi driver murdered with cheese wire have said it is possible the killer confessed behind bars as they appeal for former prisoners to come forward. Aberdeen cabbie George Murdoch was found strangled to death outside his vehicle in September 1983, but the murderer has remained untraced for more than four decades. George's nephew Alec McKay and his wife Robina, who are leading the campaign for justice, said that due to a Daily Record story on a criminal source profiling the possible killer, they have now received a number of tips from former prisoners - and have called for more to share their suspicions. We told in February how a source, who has served various stints in Scots jails, said the murderer was likely a 'sadistic, sick killer' who took life for the pleasure of it. Robina told the Record: "Do we think it possible the killer confessed to other prisoners if he ever did serve time? Given human nature, I'd say that has to be a possibility. "I'd imagine an act like killing an innocent individual would be a huge secret for most people, even killers, to keep to themselves. "We wish to appeal to those who may have served time in prison, especially back in the 1980s and 90s. A number of former prisoners have contacted us after the profile and it only takes one person to come forward with the right information. "As time goes by, it becomes ever more important for us to achieve justice for George, who died such a brutal and torturous death and for the terrible toll it took on his wife, Jessie." The long-standing cold case has seen dramatic developments in recent years as police continue to hunt the sadistic killer of 'gentle George'. Then aged 58, Dod was found dead beside his cab on Pitfodels Station Road, Aberdeen, having just picked up a fare on September 29, 1983. The cheese wire believed to have been used to garrotte him was found nearby. Police have found possible DNA matches as they hope to establish any family link to a profile from the scene- with the family urging anyone to come forward to rule out possibly deceased family members. Huge rewards of £50,000 are available for information that will lead to a conviction and £10,000 for any matching family DNA. Robina added: "His killer disappeared into the night and over 40 years later, his remaining family are still searching for answers. "The police now have a DNA profile of the killer, so when anyone provides a name, it will be possible to 100% identify him. "Will you help by coming forward with the name of anyone you believe committed this evil crime? We understand you may be reticent to do so, for fear your own identity gets out. "However, we guarantee none of your details will be shared with anyone, including the police, if that is your wish. "The right name is out there; maybe you will be the one to help solve this murder? If the name you give us is 100% confirmed by the police to be George's killer, even if that person is now deceased, you will receive the £50,000 reward. "Private message us via the George Murdoch Facebook Appeals Page or email us at:-jdhallfield@ Speaking to the family on the basis of anonymity in February, the source rubbished any idea of it being a 'robbery gone wrong' adding the profile matched that of 'the most dangerous animal'. He said: "This was a planned and deliberate act of pure evil and he was confident enough to go through with it. This man is on the police computer somewhere and not for anything minor either." Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, previously told the Daily Record: 'George Murdoch's family have dealt with his loss with a great deal of dignity over the years since his senseless murder. "They deserve answers about what happened to him." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cotswolds mental health group leads to 'marvellous friendships'
A support group for carers of people with mental illnesses has led to "marvellous friendships", those involved have Cirencester Mental Health Carers' Support Group aims to make carers of loved ones living with schizophrenia, addiction, or personality disorders, among other mental illnesses, feel "not alone".Robina, who cares for her son who has psychosis, said being part of groups, including the one in Cirencester, had given her "great strength and lots of fun".Kathy Holmes, a support worker, said even long-time carers were sometimes unaware of what help was available to them. The group meets at Cirencester Baptist Church on the second Tuesday of every month between 13:00 and 15:00 who facilitates the group, said caring for someone with an enduring mental health illness or complex emotional needs could leave someone feeling "isolated"."We have speakers that come along, they talk to us about the different medications, what they can do for people with enduring mental health issues, and you won't be alone," he said."It will also provide you with a little bit of respite from caring for the person that you love, it's a couple of hours each month and you'll get a lot of information and a lot of friendliness and a lot of empathy from other members of the group." 'Couldn't choose better' Robina, who lives near Cirencester, said her son first started struggling aged 14, and was now a "very lovely, well man of 40"."I've been through different carers' groups, all of which have given me great strength and lots of fun knowing very nice people," she said."It's led to a path of friendships I mightn't have had with other groups of people, but then I've found many people who love playing tennis and walking like I do."Marvellous friendships, I couldn't choose better." Kathy Holmes, who cares for her son with psychosis, said carers were often "relieved" to find out there was support for them, too."It's so vital because if you feel supported and well as a carer, you're going to be able to support the person you care for better," she said.
