Why This Matters
- The prosecution alleges a killing on a public street was driven by racial prejudice, a charge that carries additional weight under Scots law.
- Dr Gomo was a Zimbabwean-born scientist who had recently joined Scottish Water after completing her PhD, making her death a loss to both the academic and professional communities in Dundee.
- With the trial scheduled for January 2028, the case will test how the Scottish courts handle racially aggravated murder proceedings.
Background
The High Court in Scotland hears the most serious criminal cases, including murder. Racially aggravated offences carry enhanced penalties, and prosecutors must prove both the underlying offence and the prejudice that aggravated it. The case stems from an attack on South Street in Dundee in July last year, when Dr Gomo was found fatally injured and treated by paramedics, but never recovered.
Key Perspectives
Prosecution: Alleges Rattray repeatedly struck Dr Gomo with a knife and that the attack was aggravated by prejudice relating to race, colour, nationality or ethnicity.
Defence: Rattray has denied the murder charge, and the case will now proceed to trial before the High Court in Dundee.
Police and community: Police Scotland acknowledged that Dr Gomo's death had caused great shock throughout Dundee, underlining the wider impact of the killing on the city.
What to Watch
- The trial is scheduled to begin on 5 January 2028 at the High Court in Dundee and is expected to run for eight days.
- Whether the court finds the racial aggravation proven, which would significantly affect any sentence.
- The outcome of the separate charge of possessing a knife in a public place.