Police have warned the public against sharing information about an Aberdeen mum’s murder after a widely-circulated WhatsApp message spread false details of her death.
The message, which has been forwarded many times on the social media app, appears to detail the events leading up to 47-year-old Jill Barclay’s death.
But much of what the message contains is completely false, in particular the manner in which Jill died.
Police say that sharing the message risks unfairly influencing the upcoming court case and upsetting people close to the victim.
People caught circulating inaccuracies could fall foul of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
The legislation exists to ensure that anyone who is accused of a crime is given a fair trial.
Fife man charged with Jill’s murder
A murder inquiry was launched after the mum of two’s body was found on fire opposite the roundabout at Stoneywood Road and Victoria Street in Dyce.
She was allegedly attacked after setting off from the Spider’s Web pub to walk home after a night out.
The discovery of her body, at around 3.30am on Saturday September 17, led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Fife.
Bennett, whose address was given as Ballingry, faced charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
He made no plea, has been remanded in custody and will re-appear in court within a week.
Detectives from Police Scotland’s major investigation team are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Jill’s murder, which has shocked the community.
Some of the evidence gathered by investigators includes CCTV footage from the BP garage on Wellheads Road, the Marriott Hotel opposite, and the Spider’s Web pub, which Jill had visited before she died.
Police Scotland’s north-east divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen today thanked the Dyce community for its support while enquiries have been carried out.
She said: “This has been an extremely distressing incident which has caused a great deal of shock in the local community.
“This shock has also been felt across the north-east and our thoughts are with Jill’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out enquiries and providing reassurance. Please approach them if you would like to speak to someone.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the community for your patience – your support is appreciated.”
Local officers, who are stationed in a police incident pod near the roundabout at Stoneywood Road and Victoria Street, will welcome anyone wanting to share information or discuss any concerns.
Community mourns loss
Some of them lit candles and placed them among the dozen of bouquets of flowers laid in memory of the mum-of-two.
She left behind a husband, as well as a six-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter.
More than 800 people have contributed over £15,000 towards an online appeal to help Jill’s family with the cost of her funeral, and the total continues to climb.
Tributes have been flooding in from people who knew the Petrofac engineer over the years.
Former colleague Nicola Evans told The Press And Journal: “Jill was always smiling and made time for people.
“She had a wicked laugh. Jill loved life. She was such a lovely person. Jill was the life of the party”
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