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end their flight in the drawer unit at about 16 inches from ground level or on
the wall at about 5 feet above ground level. Without more details I would not
wish to comment on which bullet actually arrived in either place.
OTHER EVIDENCE
Generally speaking, a second person would be capable of causing wounds from a
gun in positions which would exclude the possibility of the wounds being self
inflicted.
In the case under examination, there is no question in my mind that
all shots could have been self inflicted and, of course it follows that as more
options and all self inflicted sites would be available to another person, the shots
could have been fired by someone other than the deceased.
I have therefore considered all other evidence in the statements which I have read
and, in particular, the summary of P S PRESCOTT concerning the locked room and
I consider that the most crucial aspect on this feature is that there
is no sign of a struggle.
windows.
He knew that he
The manner and
Supporting the case for suicide are the investigations in MacLennan's private
life from which it had been decided to arrest and charge him.
was to be arrested and therefore a suitable motive is apparent.
timing of the events concerning the drawing of the weapon from the armoury, being
those when least suspicion would be aroused, support the case that it was a premeditated
act with a view to taking his own life.
I am certain that the taking of swabs for gun discharge residues on the hands
and clothing of the deceased would have provided convincing evidence as to the
manner in which the wounds were received.
In summary, I find that the ballistic and medical evidence are consistent with
suicide and that the lack of other evidence of a struggle or that another person
could have left the room after securing it from the inside tend to exclude the
option that another person was directly involved in the shooting.
Finally I am drawn to one phrase in the evidence of Professor GIBSON (Statement
dated 13.2.80) " and this indicates that the deceased participated voluntarily
in the course of events". I believe that this phrase is wholly appropriate.
Phien
major.