Man murdered wife after cheating accusation

William Buchanan, 66, was found guilty of murdering Darrel Buchanan

A 66-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his wife after she accused him of cheating.

Walter Buchanan attacked Darrel Buchanan, 37, at their flat near Hamilton racecourse in South Lanarkshire on 18 February 2023.

She had suffered a "significant" compression of her neck as well as a brain injury, bruising and a rib fracture.

The chartered surveyor had denied murdering his wife but was found guilty following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

The court previously heard the couple had met in 2015 while Buchanan was on holiday in Thailand. They married two years later.

Jurors heard how Buchanan was "besotted" with his wife, who was from Kenya.

Buchanan was already a dad of two, while his wife had a young son.

He had been out with friends in Bothwell, South Lanarkshire, the night before the killing.

Ms Buchanan was said to have been unhappy, and wondered if her husband was happier with other women.

Buchanan told the trial he got a text which read: "I guess you are having fun in Bothwell without your wife, cheater".

He said she then again accused him of infidelity when got home.

In his evidence, Buchanan claimed she "lunged" at him before he "connected" with her, grabbed her hair and they both fell.

She was then dragged across the floor.

Buchanan said his wife got up and left the room. He was then in bed when Ms Buchanan came in.

'I had her by the neck'

He told his lawyer Iain McSporran KC she called him "a cheater" once more.

He grabbed her wrists, pushed her onto the bed and got on top of her.

Buchanan added: "She was still flailing her arms - I was defending myself with one arm and I remember putting my hand on her face and pushed her."

Mr McSporran put to him: "We know there were marks identified on her neck which identifies strangulation - the prosecution say there was strangulation.

"There was a thumb mark and bruises - did you cause them?

Buchanan: "Yes I did, I had her by the neck - it was seconds - and it was with one hand."

He further admitted pushing his wife into a pillow before she rolled over onto her side.

It was Buchanan who made a 999 call that morning claiming he had woke up and found his wife "cold to the touch".

Emergency services arrived, but could not save her.

The court heard she had suffered "significant" compression of her neck.

Lord Cubie told Buchanan: "18 February 2023 was a tragic day - there was the loss of a daughter, sister and mother."

The judge said Buchanan should have been the person who protected and looked out for his wife.

He continued: "This has consequences for you too. The reality is it was in your control to avoid this.

"The jury has found that you acted in a way that caused her death and you must take the consequences."

Buchanan was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.

Det Sgt Ian Evans, of Police Scotland, said: "There is no doubt that this is an extremely difficult and traumatic time for Darrell's family.

"They live each day without her and are devastated by what has happened. He is now being held responsible and I sincerely hope Darrell's family feels some sense of justice at the court outcome today."