Emma Faulds: Police dog 'gave positive indication in car search'

A police dog trained in the scent of dead bodies gave a “positive indication” during the search of a car in the missing Emma Faulds investigation, a court has heard.

PC Neil Gunderson was giving evidence at the trial of Ross Willox, 41, who denies murdering the 39-year-old youth worker at his home in Fairfield Park, Monkton, Ayrshire, on April 28, 2019.

Jurors heard how a Jaguar car was examined by PC Gunderson and his dog Max on May 8, 2019.

PC Gunderson said Max specialised in “victim recovery” and had previously helped find a body near an area of water in South Queensferry.

He recalled how they had been asked to check a number of vehicles weeks after Willox allegedly murdered Ms Faulds.

The trial was shown the footage of Max searching the Jaguar car.

PC Gunderson – based at Fettes station in Edinburgh – told prosecutor Paul Kearney it appeared Max had “heightened interest” in the vehicle.

The officer added: “He is very aware…that there is something there that he would like to get closer to.”

Later in the footage, the dog appears to repeatedly bark at the boot area of the Jaguar.

PC Gunderson said to him it was “clear” Max was giving “an indication”.

Mr Kearney went on to ask: “Do you have any doubt of it being a positive indication from your dog in what he is trained to find?”

PC Gunderson: “I have no doubt whatsoever.”

Willox denies the accusations.

The trial, before judge Lord Mulholland, continues.