Public urged to help solve death riddle

THE family of a young man found dead in mysterious circumstances have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and tell police.

Stefan Sutherland’s body was recovered four months ago near his home on the Occumster shoreline, north of Lybster, after he had been missing for 10 days.

Last week, forensic officers searched a house in Lybster which was the last place the 25-year-old was seen alive. Now his family have issued a plea to the Caithness community for information which might explain what led to the death of their much-loved son and brother.

Katrina Sutherland believes there are people who know what happened to her brother but have so far remained silent.

"I do believe the community knows things and I do believe people will come forward," she said.

"There are members of the community who know things who haven’t come forward, but it would be good if they felt they could talk to police.

"Even tiny things they may consider to be insignificant could actually have a huge bearing on finding out what really happened.

"I hope the police get enough information so they can eventually make a conviction."

Mr Sutherland, who would have turned 26 this month, was last seen entering a house in Shelligoe Road in Lybster on Friday, September 6. His body was found on the shoreline near his home at The Moorings, Occumster, 10 days later. More than 40 people joined emergency services in a search for Mr Sutherland in the Occumster, Latheron and Lybster areas.

Ms Sutherland said her family had received a lot of support from the community and for their belief that her brother’s death was no accident.

"Our family received a lot of support before Stefan was found and not a week goes by without someone asking me what is happening now.

"If it was an accident, nobody would be asking me four months later what is happening with the case, so obviously people are expecting something to happen.

"I do not believe it was an accident and I certainly do not believe it was suicide – I’ve said that from day one before Stefan was found."

Ms Sutherland, who runs a beauty salon, added: "Stefan was a happy individual who enjoyed his life and had a lot to live for.

"He was a healthy, enthusiastic football player who was extremely proud of his physique and worked hard to maintain his fitness.

"That is not the actions of a depressed person who plans to commit suicide and there is no evidence which points towards that."

Police Scotland have issued a further appeal and a spokesman said it was important anyone with any information regarding Mr Sutherland’s death got in touch with them.

"Significant inquiries have been carried out in relation to the death of Stefan Sutherland and many people have given information about the circumstances which led to him being traced and we thank the public for that assistance," he said.

"Police are still keen to hear from anyone who we have not yet spoken to and who might be able to help us and Stefan’s family understand fully what happened.

"Stefan would have celebrated his birthday in February and the police would ask anyone who has information and who has not yet contacted us to think of his family at this difficult time."

Wick-based inspector Nick Clasper said last week that Mr Sutherland’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.