David Campbell exhibited a pattern of arrogance throughout his 15-day murder trial, smiling, winking, and blowing kisses from the court dock. This behavior stood in stark contrast to the profound grief and suffering experienced by the family of his victim, Brian Low.

Low, 65, was shot and killed with a shotgun in rural Perthshire as he walked his dog. The initial police response was criticized, with a detective constable on the scene initially mistaking the shotgun pellet wounds for injuries from a fall. This oversight meant that crucial days were lost before a murder investigation was launched, delaying the preservation of the crime scene.

A Trial Marked by Remorselessness

Campbell's demeanor in court was consistently audacious. During the trial, he made affectionate gestures towards his wife, Betty, who testified, and chuckled at his own remarks during a playback of his police interview. Even as evidence mounted against him, he appeared to be enjoying the proceedings, only displaying shock when the jury delivered a guilty verdict.

Pam Curran, Low's live-in partner of 23 years, described the 15 days in court as "hell." She expressed fear about attending the verdict, stating, "That verdict is going to change my life. It’s not going to make it better, but it could make it a hell of a lot worse." Curran also noted Campbell's stare when she entered the courtroom after giving her own evidence, interpreting it as an attempt to intimidate her. She observed him waving to his granddaughter during breaks, a gesture that she found upsetting given the presence of Brian Low's family.

Douglas Low, Brian's older brother, expressed his dismay at the initial police assessment of his brother's death. He described graphic photographs of Brian's wounds as "horrific" and questioned how anyone could have considered the injuries to be from a medical event. Douglas Low lamented the unfinished plans and abrupt end to his brother's life, emphasizing Brian's kind and gentle nature and stating he never believed Brian had an enemy.

Motive and Investigation

The prosecution suggested that Campbell, a former gamekeeper on the Edradynate Estate, harbored a grudge against Low. Campbell had reportedly lost his job after wildlife crime investigations, including suspicions of poisoning birds of prey, were linked to the estate. It was believed that Campbell blamed Low for his dismissal.

Sally Crystal, whose farm bordered the estate, stated that Campbell became "very arrogant" as his reputation grew and that the Low family began to mistrust him. Pam Curran confirmed awareness of a serious falling out between Campbell and Brian Low related to the poisoning investigations, noting that Brian's statements to the police had angered Campbell.

Compelling Evidence and Verdict

The prosecution's case posited that Campbell used his wife's e-bike to transport a dismantled shotgun to Leafy Lane, where he ambushed Low. CCTV footage from Aberfeldy showed a figure on an e-bike with a backpack, though Campbell denied it was him. However, footage from his own doorbell camera, which he had covered with gaffer tape on February 16, 2024—the day Low is believed to have been killed—provided crucial evidence.

Low's body was discovered the following morning. After a trial that spanned 15 days, the jury found Campbell guilty.

Sentencing and Aftermath

During the sentencing, Judge Lord Scott conveyed the profound grief of Brian Low's loved ones. Douglas Low's victim impact statement described his "broken heart" and overwhelming sense of loss. Pam Curran's statement detailed her daily sadness and the noticeable absence of her "spark."

A new two-part documentary, "Murder Trial: Death of a Dog Walker," chronicles the investigation and trial. Kate Reid, the documentary's director, highlighted the principle of open justice and the privilege of filming a live murder trial. The documentary aims to portray not only the courtroom drama but also the lives shattered by the violence and the families' wait for justice. Leaving the dock after being sentenced to a minimum of 19 years, a grim-faced Campbell glanced at his family, this time without blowing kisses.

Part one of "Murder Trial: Death of a Dog Walker" aired on BBC Scotland, with both episodes available on BBC iPlayer.