Brenda Page murder trial: New date set for next year in Aberdeen

A new date has been set for the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife 44 years ago in Aberdeen.

Christopher Harrisson, 81, is accused of killing Dr Brenda Page at her flat in the city in 1978.

The trial, which was due to begin at the High Court in Aberdeen on Tuesday of last week, was delayed on its first day after Harrisson’s previous defence advocate David Moggach withdrew from acting in the case.

Mr Moggach stated last week this was due to a “breakdown” in the client-counsel relationship.

A new date of February 20 next year has been set, meaning the start of the trial will be delayed by almost six months.

Leading advocate Brian McConnachie will lead Harrisson’s new defence team.

A preliminary hearing will also be held in Edinburgh on January 20 2023 prior to the three-week trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.

‘I’m pleased to advise that we have identified senior counsel’

Harrisson allegedly forced entry to Brenda’s Allan Street flat on July 14 1978 and repeatedly struck her on the head and body with a blunt implement or implements.

It is also alleged that Harrisson assaulted his wife, who was 32 at the time of her death, on various occasions between May 6 in 1972 and June 20 in 1976 in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and elsewhere in Scotland.

Ximena Vengoechea, who was acting in place of Mr Moggach, told the court: “I’m pleased to advise that we have identified senior counsel, Brian McConnachie QC, who is willing to undertake the defence.

“We have also identified a suitable diet of February 20 2023.”

Harrisson allegedly forced entry to Brenda’s Allan Street flat on July 14 1978 and repeatedly struck her on the head and body with a blunt implement or implements.

It is also alleged that Harrisson assaulted his wife, who was 32 at the time of her death, on various occasions between May 6 in 1972 and June 20 in 1976 in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and elsewhere in Scotland.

Harrisson faces an additional two charges of behaving in a disorderly and threatening manner towards Dr Page, alongside one charge of attempting to destroy forensic evidence.

Dr Page, a genetic scientist, was working at Aberdeen University at the time of her death.

Advocate depute Alex Prentice said the new three-week slot “could be accommodated” in Aberdeen by moving some trials “but not adjourning them”.

Judge Martin Richardson said he was grateful to counsel “on both sides” in identifying a suitable future date for trial and adjourned matters until next early next year.

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