Man found guilty of murdering Brenda Page from Ipswich

Dr Brenda Page was found dead in an Aberdeen flat, where she had lived alone, on July 14, 1978.

The former Northgate School pupil had conducted significant research to prevent deformed babies, working in the genetics department at the University of Aberdeen Medical School from 1973 until her death at 32.

Brenda Page was murdered in 1978 by her husband (Image: Newsquest)

On Thursday, her ex-husband Christopher Harrisson was convicted of her murder at the High Court in Aberdeen. 

The murder weapon was never found, but it was thought to be something like a poker, spanner or chisel.

Harrisson was arrested and charged in connection with Dr Page’s death in March 2020. Jurors heard how he subjected her to a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviours, throughout their relationship.

This behaviour culminated in her violent murder.   

Christopher Harrison has been found guilty of murder (Image: Police Scotland)

Dr Page’s family has released a statement through Police Scotland.

They said: "We as a family are absolutely delighted with the verdict of today's trial.

"Brenda's murder, nearly 45 years ago at the incredibly young age of 32, has affected the family and so many of her friends, work colleagues and of course Police Scotland. 

"Not a day goes by when we don’t think about Brenda and the horrendous ordeal she must have suffered that night. 

"Brenda was an extremely kind, intelligent woman with her whole life ahead of her. It hurts us to think of the great things she would have undoubtedly achieved.

"Forty-five years is a long time to be at liberty whilst the family have endured such tragedy, sadness and loss."

The case had been one of Scotland's longest-running murder cases and Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team instigated a re-investigation in 2015 following instruction from the Lord Advocate.