William Hodge, 79, was declared unfit to stand trial for the alleged murder of Marion Hodge in 1984. Hodge suffers from dementia and is unable to understand the court proceedings. An examination of facts will now take place.
A man accused of murdering his wife who vanished in 1984 was declared unfit to stand trial on Monday. William Hodge, 79, is alleged to have killed Marion Hodge, then 34, in Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway. Court documents state that Hodge caused Marion an injury by 'means unknown to the prosecutor'. Hodge also faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of Marion's body and personal belongings.
The mother of two was declared legally dead by the Court of Session in Edinburgh in 1992. Her body has never been found. A hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday heard that Hodge suffers from signs of dementia. Professor Gary MacPherson, 56, conducted a cognitive test on Hodge at a care home in Bristol in July 2024. The consultant forensic clinical psychologist told the court: 'He demonstrates a number of deficits in attention and he is unable to follow what is happening around him. 'He has deficits in memory and he wasn't able to remember things after a short time. 'He also has deficits in verbal fluency - expressing two or three words after a long pause.' In terms of a trial, Professor MacPherson stated that Hodge would 'struggle' to instruct a lawyer and understand the trial process. However, the professor did say that Hodge was able to understand the penalties that would be imposed. There was an investigation into the death in 1984 and a reinvestigation in 2006 when no further action was taken. The matter was then looked at again in 2021, which resulted in the current prosecution. Judge Lord Mulholland set an examination of facts, which is expected to last four weeks at the High Court in Glasgow in September. The judge said: 'It is crystal clear that he is unfit - in all the circumstances, I uphold the unfitness to plead motion.
Murder Unfit To Stand Trial Dementia Missing Person Cold Case
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
1984 author and former M.E.N. journalist George Orwell honoured on new £2 coinThe quote 'Big Brother is watching you' is featured
Read more »
1984 author George Orwell celebrated on new Royal Mint £2 coinThe Royal Mint said the commemorative coin is being released to mark the 75th anniversary of the author’s death.
Read more »
Royal Mint unveils 'Big Brother' £2 coin celebrating George Orwell's 1984Created to mark the 75th anniversary of Orwell's passing, the coin’s reverse side pays tribute to his iconic work '1984'
Read more »
Beloved Glasgow Restaurant Baby Grand to Close with Special 1984 MenuThe Baby Grand restaurant, a Glasgow institution, will be closing its doors for good at the end of January. To celebrate its legacy, the restaurant will be offering its popular 1984 menu every day until its final day.
Read more »
Daughter of Glasgow Woman Murdered in 1984 Believes Others Involved35 years after Mary McLaughlin was strangled in her Glasgow flat, her daughter Gina McGavin says she believes others are involved in her mother's murder, despite the conviction of Graham McGill.
Read more »
Man to Stand Trial Accused of Killing Paisley Grandfather in Hit-and-RunCallum Fox is facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving after allegedly hitting 63-year-old James Paterson as he walked on Brediland Road in Paisley on November 27, 2022. Prosecutors allege Fox was driving a Mercedes at excessive speed while impaired by alcohol and failed to react to Mr. Paterson's presence, ultimately causing the fatal collision.
Read more »