Amanda Duffy, a 19-year-old student, was murdered in Hamilton, Scotland, in 1992.
The gruesome nature of her death and the controversial “not proven” verdict in the trial of the main suspect, Francis Auld, ignited national debates about justice, double jeopardy laws, and the peculiarities of Scots law. Decades later, Duffy’s case continues to resonate in discussions about legal reform.
The Murder of Amanda Duffy
On 30 May 1992, Amanda Duffy, a student at Motherwell College, went missing after celebrating an audition at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Her body was discovered that evening on waste ground near Miller Street in Hamilton. The scene was shocking: she was found lying partially naked, with severe blunt force injuries to her head and neck. Twigs and branches had been inserted into her body.
The post-mortem revealed asphyxia and multiple injuries, including sexual violence. Police quickly identified 20-year-old Francis Auld as a suspect after witnesses reported seeing him with Duffy earlier that night.
The 1992 Trial and “Not Proven” Verdict
Auld was tried at the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow. Key evidence included witnesses who had seen him with Duffy and bite marks on her body that matched Auld’s dental impressions. However, Auld claimed to have left Duffy with an unknown man named “Mark,” who was never identified. Despite the evidence, the jury returned a “not proven” verdict, leaving Auld acquitted but not fully exonerated.
Aftermath of the Trial
Threatening Phone Calls
In 1994, Auld was convicted of making threatening phone calls, including one chilling statement referencing Duffy’s death. He was sentenced to community service, but the case further deepened public suspicion against him.
Civil Action by the Duffy Family
In 1995, Amanda’s parents, Joe and Kathleen Duffy, pursued a civil case against Auld, where the burden of proof is lower than in criminal trials. Auld did not contest the case, and the Duffys were awarded £50,000 in damages, though this amount was never paid.
Campaign Against the “Not Proven” Verdict
The Duffy family spearheaded a campaign to abolish the “not proven” verdict, arguing that it denied justice to victims. Their efforts led to a national petition and multiple debates in both the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament. The case became a key reference in discussions about the controversial verdict, with many citing it as a reason for reform.
The Double Jeopardy Bid
In 2011, Scotland introduced new double jeopardy laws, allowing retrials in cases where compelling new evidence emerged. This spurred a renewed investigation into Duffy’s murder. In 2015, prosecutors sought to retry Auld, but judges rejected the bid in 2016. The chief forensic scientist from the original trial publicly criticised the jury’s decision, asserting that the evidence against Auld had been sufficient for a conviction.
Francis Auld’s Death
In 2017, Auld died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 45. His death marked the end of any possibility of further legal proceedings. However, the case remains a stark reminder of the complexities and limitations of the justice system.
Legacy of Amanda Duffy’s Case
Amanda Duffy’s murder left a profound impact on Scotland’s legal landscape. Her parents’ tireless advocacy highlighted the emotional toll of the “not proven” verdict on victims’ families and helped bring national attention to flaws in the justice system. The case continues to be cited in debates about legal reform, ensuring Amanda’s story remains a poignant symbol of the need for justice and clarity in Scots law.
