The Trial of John McGuigan

The case came to trial at the High Court of Justiciary in Edinburgh in November 1935, three months after the crimes were committed. 

The judge was Lord Chief Justice Aitchison, a very famous figure in criminal law, and the first Labour Lord Advocate in Ramsey MacDonald's 1929 government.

The court bundle, including annotations by Lord Chief Justice Aitchison, can be viewed at the National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The indictment against John McGuigan.

The trial was hugely popular, with people queuing for hours each day to gain entrance and many being locked out. The verdict was eagerly awaited, despite the terrible weather.

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