A woman suffered 78 injuries across her head and body during an assault by her partner, the High Court in Glasgow was told during a murder trial on 26 August 2024.
Alexander Brennan, 54, denies murdering Brodie MacGregor, 23, at her flat on Elmvale Street in Springburn, Glasgow. Forensic pathologist Dr Julie McAdam gave evidence that MacGregor's cause of death was extensive facial injuries sustained during the attack.
The prosecution alleges that Brennan punched and slapped MacGregor and inflicted blunt force trauma through means including repeated strikes with glass bottles—some of which were broken—and a microwave plate. According to a national broadcaster's report, a 999 call was made at 04:37 in which MacGregor could be heard saying "You attacked me," and she was pronounced dead at 10:15 that morning.
Dr McAdam, 54, conducted the post-mortem examination and detailed the extent of MacGregor's injuries to jurors. She found a series of blunt force injuries, bruises, abrasions and lacerations across the body. When prosecutor Alan Parfery questioned her about facial injuries including a fractured nose and a sharp force injury to the scalp, McAdam explained the severity of the bleeding.
Injuries to her mouth would have bled heavily. She lost a considerable amount of blood in her airway—her airway was full of blood as was her throat, gullet and stomach. She has tried to swallow blood and there was evidence that she breathed blood in her lungs.
The court also heard evidence of a brain injury that prosecutors say resulted from kicks or strikes with glass bottles. There were also potential defensive injuries to MacGregor's hands, indicating she may have attempted to protect herself during the assault.
Could she have survived?
Dr McAdam told the court that MacGregor would have had approximately one hour of survival time after sustaining her injuries. The pathologist added that she could imagine MacGregor would have made sounds of coughing and spluttering, with noisy breathing as blood filled her airway.
When prosecutor Parfery asked whether medical intervention could have changed the outcome, McAdam acknowledged the possibility of survival with prompt treatment. She stated:
It is obvious with getting medical treatment you are more likely to survive. Her injuries were severe but there was potential for survival.This evidence suggests that had emergency services arrived within minutes of the initial assault, there may have been a chance to save MacGregor's life.
The charges and trial proceedings
According to court reporting, Brennan faces an additional charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, linked to allegations that he disposed of bloodstained jeans in a clothing collection bin in Springburn following the death. The Crown case closed with the deletion of three charges against Brennan, leaving the murder charge as the only count for the jury to consider.
The trial is being heard before Lord Scott, with the prosecution led by advocate depute Alan Parfery and the defence represented by Brian McConnachie KC. The trial continues with no fixed end date currently announced.
Background to the case
This case forms part of a broader pattern of domestic violence homicides in Scotland. In a separate case heard earlier in 2024, a man was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years after murdering his partner with a claw hammer in Aberdeen while subject to a ban on approaching her. Another case involved a man sentenced to 12 years for raping and attempting to murder his partner after over a decade of abuse.
The MacGregor case also echoes elements of a murder case in Inverness where a man admitted killing a musician following a bottle attack and choking, highlighting the recurring use of improvised weapons in domestic homicides.
Key facts
- Brodie MacGregor, 23, was found dead at her flat in Springburn, Glasgow, on 26 August 2024
- Alexander Brennan, 54, denies murder and faces a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice
- The pathologist found 78 injuries and determined death was caused by extensive facial injuries and blood loss
- Medical evidence suggested MacGregor could have survived had emergency services arrived within five minutes of the assault
- The trial before Lord Scott continues with the murder charge as the sole remaining count
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found through domestic abuse helplines and support services.
