Commissioner denies request to release files in unsolved murder case

Commissioner denies request to release files in unsolved murder case

Documents relating to the disappearance of a schoolgirl nearly 50 years ago will not be released following a decision by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Kevin Dunion has declined a request to release the files on the unsolved case of 11-year-old Moira Anderson.

The girl went missing in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, in 1957, after going on a shopping errand. body has never been found but many believe she was abducted and murdered. The documents are believed to contain a confession by James Gallogley, claiming that his former friend Alex Gartshore had killed the girl before dumping her body in a spot called Tarry Burn.

The ruling of the commissioner is expected to influence future decisions not to release material from unsolved cases. He said he could not release the sensitive personal information contained in private police statements.

Files on Moira Anderson to remain closed (The Herald, 18 May 2007)