BBC viewers have expressed outrage just minutes into a new true crime documentary series, Murder Trial, which offers unprecedented access into Scotland's High Courts. The series places viewers directly inside a real-life murder trial, with cameras set up in the courtroom to capture proceedings in real time, from witness examinations to sentencing remarks.
Unprecedented Courtroom Access
This unprecedented access provides a unique insight into how criminal proceedings unfold, showing viewers what it is like to be on a jury within the courtroom. Two new episodes, Death of a Dog Walker, were released on August 11 on BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland, with the first instalment also airing on BBC Two on August 12 at 9pm.
The series explores the trial of David Campbell, who was accused of killing ex-colleague Brian Low. The BBC has teased: "Guilty or not guilty? Haunting cold cases and gripping investigations unfold as Murder suspects stand trial and victim’s families seek justice in Scotland’s High Courts."
Viewer Reactions to the Suspect
However, with dozens tuning in to the new release, viewers were quick to react to suspect David Campbell, who at times was seen smirking within the courtroom. Taking to social media, one person wrote: "Couldn't believe what I was watching!" Another penned: "Brilliant I watched it last night." A third commented: "Watched it, the accused comes across as a psychopath, horrible man", as a fourth said: "I watched this today! Such a mess by police."
A fifth added: "Watched the first part last night back on Saturday the smirks he was doing I'd flipped out poor brother hiding face seeing what done was close tears hard watch my heart goes out to his whole family [sic]." Over on TikTok, one true crime fan said "there's loads of absolutely bonkers twists", as another echoed: "Shocking how long it took for them to notice he'd actually been shot."
The Case of Brian Low
The new release spans two parts, taking viewers back to February 2024 when Brian Low was found dead in rural Aberfeldy, in an area known as Leafy Lane. Despite initially treating his death as non-suspicious, a few days later a shocking discovery revealed Brian had actually been shot dead, with police turning their attention to ex-colleague David Campbell.
With no witnesses or direct forensic links, prosecution teams put forward arguments based on circumstantial evidence, painting a picture of a revenge attack, while the defence aims to find flaws in the evidence. A synopsis continues: "With both sides also relying on vital witness testimony from fellow estate workers and neighbours, the trial will paint for the jury a picture of a small community ripped apart by old grudges and secrets surfacing in the wake of a killing." As the victim’s family await justice, the accused awaits his fate. Murder Trial: Death of a Dog Walker can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
