Murder conviction protest outside Kirkwall Sheriff Court

A demonstration held by Michael Ross supporters was staged outside Kirkwall Sheriff Court this morning to protest against his murder conviction.

During the silent process, the group held placards declaring Michael Ross is innocent. The protest coincided with a court appearance by the prime witness in the Michael Ross case.

Ross, 33, was convicted of the murder of waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood in 2008. Earlier this year, Ross, who was 15 at the time of the crime, failed to have his conviction overturned at the Court of Criminal Appeal.  He was later refused permission to take his case to the supreme court.

An application by Ross is now being considered by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, which looks into potential miscarriages of justice.