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Orkney Assassin Michael Ross' lawyer describers convicted killer as 'gentle'

Orkney Assassin Michael Ross' lawyer describers convicted killer as 'gentle'

Edinburgh Live09-06-2025

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Michael Ross' lawyer praised the convicted murderer as "well-mannered" and "gentle" upon their first meeting.
Prime Video has just dropped its gripping new documentary, The Orkney Assassin: Murder In The Isles, on Sunday, June 8, featuring interviews with former police officers, journalists, witnesses and Ross' own parents about the chilling murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood.
Ross was convicted for killing the Indian restaurant waiter in 2008, 14 years after Mahmood's death, with the former Army sniper given a life sentence for the cirme.
During the trial, Ross had Donald Findlay QC fighting his corner, but as the documentary reveals, with over 10 years left until he's up for parole, Ross hired a new lawyer.
Scottish solicitor Aamer Anwar confessed to some initial doubts about taking on the infamous case in the documentary.
(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
He shared: "So when it came in, there was some healthy cynicism.
"'Why me? You know my reputation. You know I fight injustice, human rights and on race' but they said that's exactly the reason why Michael wanted me to have a look at the case.
"And when I met Michael, he was well mannered, considered, gentle."
(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Despite years behind bars, Ross is remains insisted about his innocence and has tried to escape prison three times, with the most recent attempt in 2018 when he attempted to climb a fence.
Anwar adds: "And the fact that in all these years, he's maintained his innocence.
"That always strikes me when somebody refuses to take the easy option and go 'you know what, I'm guilty' to try and get out earlier.
"But he's refused to do that, he says he cannot do that, he insists he's an innocent man. And it's never ended."
The Orkney Assassin: Murder In The Isles is available to watch on Prime Video.

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