RETIRED POLICE INSPECTOR KEITH FARQUHARSON GUILTY OF MURDERING WIFE
A retired police officer named Keith Farquharson has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Alice Farquharson, at their residence in Angusfield Avenue, Aberdeen.The court heard that Farquharson, aged 60, choked and smothered Alice in August last year.
During the five-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that Farquharson had previously engaged in three extramarital affairs.
On the day of the incident, Alice, described as a 'kind and caring' woman who worked as a pupil support assistant at Hazlehead Primary School, had asked her husband if he loved her, which led to Farquharson snapping.
Initially, Farquharson claimed he heard a noise coming from the shower and found Alice lying in the bedroom, but he later admitted this was untrue and that he was in a state of shock when he lied.
He confessed to putting his hands over his wife’s mouth to stop her from screaming during a struggle.
Alice died of "mechanical asphyxia" despite paramedics arriving after Farquharson dialed 999.
Detective Inspector Gary Winter stated that Farquharson deceived emergency services and his family and described the incident as a "domestic murder".
Alice’s children issued a statement expressing their profound grief and describing their mother as a kind individual who was loved and appreciated both at home and at work.
During the trial, Farquharson admitted to having three affairs and believed that his wife did not trust him.
Hours before her death, Alice had searched online for houses to buy in Shetland.
Farquharson consistently claimed that he did not intend to kill his wife, asserting, “It was totally accidental, I wish it never happened,” but the prosecutor argued, “You compressed her neck and maintained pressure until she died.” Her death was confirmed as foul play after a post-mortem revealed bruising and neck compression.
It also emerged that Farquharson had a prior conviction from 1998 for breach of the peace involving a work colleague, which resulted in a fine and temporary demotion in rank.
He also faced suspension and harassment allegations in 2009 before leaving the police force in 2010.
The court deferred sentencing until next month for further reports.
Detective Winter emphasized that despite Farquharson’s former police career, the murder was treated as a typical domestic homicide.
Farquharson showed no emotion at his conviction and was led away to the cells as the verdict was read.
