Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page

In July 1978, Dr Brenda Page, a 32-year-old leading scientist at Aberdeen University was brutally murdered in her flat. Over four decades later, her 80-year-old ex-husband Christopher ‘Kit’ Harrisson finally stands trial, accused of her killing.

Filmed over several years with access to the prosecution and defence teams, the police investigation and the victim’s family, this series takes viewers inside one of the country’s most long-awaited murder trials.

Senior trial counsel Alex Prentice KC paints a troubling portrayal of domestic abuse as defence silk Brian McConnachie KC focuses on inconsistencies in the case against Mr Harrisson.

Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page also hears haunting evidence from the victim herself in a letter she wrote described by Mr Prentice as “a letter of a death foretold”. In it, Brenda graphically revealed the physical and mental abuse she suffered at the hands of Harrisson, culminating in the haunting statement “if I do depart this earth rather suddenly, do please make sure I get a good post mortem”.

As well as expert testimony and police insights, the documentary includes interviews with Brenda’s sister Vera and nephew, Chris, who reflects: “It’s such a strange feeling coming to court and the guy who is accused of murdering Auntie Brenda is there, walking amongst us. He’s so different from what I remember but he looks so old. In other words, it makes you think what Brenda would be like now.”

Filmed over several years, this hard-hitting series takes viewers inside the courtroom of one of the country’s most high-profile murder trials.

Watch both episodes of Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page on BBC iPlayer.