The family of a former police officer, Michael Mosey, who was murdered with his own truncheon, has received court permission to exhume his body from a graveyard with ties to his killer. The decision by Lanark Sheriff Court aims to restore dignity to the deceased and allow the family to grieve in peace.
Mosey, 58, was fatally attacked at his home in 2006. His killer, John Mackie, was found guilty of murder in 2007 and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Mackie died in prison in June 2026. The family was distressed to learn that Mackie was slated for internment in the same cemetery where Mosey was buried.
Led by Mosey's daughters, Rachel and Carla, the family initiated legal proceedings to have his remains moved. Official court documents stated the application was not for convenience or retaliation, but to remedy exceptional circumstances that prevented proper family arrangements at the time of death. Sheriff David Bernard authorized the exhumation, stipulating reverent handling and professional safeguards.
Mosey's daughters have presented the court order to South Lanarkshire Council, and arrangements are underway for the relocation of his remains to a new resting place. The family had initially set up an online fundraiser to cover legal costs. After realizing the significant expense of legal fees, they decided to manage the court application process themselves, saving thousands of pounds. Their efforts, supported by public generosity, covered the necessary court costs, leading to the granted permission.
Michael Mosey sustained a fractured skull and severe brain injuries during the attack. He remained in a coma on life support for nine days before his death. In 2018, his family learned that Mackie had been granted temporary release, an event that then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as 'unacceptable,' prompting calls for enhanced victim rights. Mackie was re-imprisoned in 2022 for parole violations before his death earlier this year.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council confirmed that the council has been working closely with the family and that arrangements are progressing in accordance with their wishes and the court's warrant. The Scottish Court and Tribunals Service verified that the case was handled at Lanark Sheriff Court. The family has also donated Mr. Mosey's headstone to charity for reuse.