Man sentenced to community service for killing roofer in money dispute

A 52-year-old man convicted of causing the death of another man following an argument over money has been ordered to complete unpaid work. Rodney Shaw struck and pushed 30-year-old David McGuinness during a confrontation at an industrial estate in Stonehaven in September 2023.

Mr. McGuinness suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital. It was later discovered that he had an undiagnosed heart condition. Shaw, from Montrose, Angus, had denied culpable homicide, but a jury found him guilty.

At the High Court in Aberdeen, Shaw was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work. Relatives of Mr. McGuinness reacted with visible anger in the courtroom.

The trial revealed that both men, who were employed in the roofing trade, had a heated dispute on 26 September 2023. Mr. McGuinness claimed he was owed money and confronted Shaw, who insisted the debt was owed by a third party. The disagreement escalated into a brief physical altercation, lasting just 48 seconds, during which Mr. McGuinness fell to the ground.

Shaw argued he acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected this claim and convicted him of culpable homicide for assaulting Mr. McGuinness, which led to the fatal cardiac arrest. The jury removed the charge element that suggested Mr. McGuinnesss head had struck a vehicle.

Shaws defense emphasized his remorse and described the incident as tragic and unexpected. He had a clean record aside from a minor traffic offense and cared for his wife. The defense also characterized the altercation as involving minimal physical violence.

Judge Andrew Miller highlighted that this was an exceptional case where imprisonment was not deemed necessary. He noted that Mr. McGuinness had shown aggression during the confrontation, and both men could have avoided the outcome. The judge recognized the previously unknown heart condition and acknowledged that no one intended the fatal result.

The judge remarked on the profound impact of Mr. McGuinnesss death, leaving behind four children, while also considering Shaws genuine remorse. The sentence of 300 hours of community service was chosen as an alternative to custody.

Outside the court, family members of Mr. McGuinness expressed anger and sorrow. His mother described him as an angel, while his sister reflected on the pain of losing him while Shaw returned home to his family. The family previously stated that Mr. McGuinness was a beloved son, partner, brother, uncle, and devoted father, and his passing left them devastated.

Author: Natalie Monroe