New probe into 2007 stab death

Sep 10 2012

Police are to carry out a fresh investigation into the death of a man who died from a stab wound.

Colin Marr, 23, of Lochgelly, Fife, was stabbed in the chest in July 2007 following a row with his partner.

His relatives are challenging the police conclusion that his death was suicide.

Solicitor General Lesley Thomson met Mr Marr's family on Monday and confirmed that Strathclyde Police have been asked to investigate the circumstances of the death.

An independent review published in July found serious failings in the initial investigation by Fife Constabulary. Former senior CID officer David Swindle said in his report that Mr Marr's death was suspicious and should have been treated as such.

Mr Marr's mother Margaret Graham welcomed news of the fresh investigation.

She said: "We are relieved that there will be a new investigation into my son's death. It's five years since he died from a single stab wound to the chest and I hope that this new investigation will lead us to establish what went on that night in Lochgelly. As a result of numerous mistakes by Fife police we lost confidence in the force. We are pleased that another force will be investigating the case."

In his July 30 report, Mr Swindle recommended a review of fingerprint and forensic evidence, and the re-interviewing of five witnesses. A Crown Office spokesman said the circumstances of Mr Marr's death remain under investigation.

Local MSPs John Park and Willie Rennie lobbied for the meeting to take place. Labour MSP Mr Park said: "It's welcome that there will be a new investigation into Colin's death. We had lost confidence in Fife police's ability to continue this investigation after a number of failings since 2007."

Lib Dem MSP Mr Rennie said: "Together with the family we simply want to establish what happened. It's been a painful saga for Colin's family but hopefully this new investigation will find the truth."