S15E01 | Steven Donaldson (Kirriemuir, Angus, 2018)

Steven Donaldson was the kind of person everyone needs in their life - selfless, thoughtful, kind, and always bringing a smile to the faces of those around him.

In June 2018, however, a twisted and sadistic plot to take his life was set in motion by the one person he trusted the most - his girlfriend.

With the help of two local brutes, she lured Steven to a park where a vicious assault began. But the horror didn’t end there.

This is truly one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking cases I’ve ever researched.

Join my Patreon community at patreon.com/britishmurders for exclusive perks, including early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, exciting giveaways, and welcome goodies!

Social Media:
Facebook | British Murders with Stuart Blues
Instagram | @britishmurders
TikTok | @britishmurders

Private Facebook Group:
British Murders Podcast - Discussion Group

Do you have a case request? Please send it to contact@britishmurders.com or fill out a Contact Form at britishmurders.com/contact

Intro music:⁣
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣
davidjohnbrady.com

Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.

References:
Angus murder accused said he would chop man’s head off with an axe, court told. (2019, April 3). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2557274/angus-murder-accused-said-he-would-chop-mans-head-off-with-an-axe-court-told/
Binding, L. (2018, June 15). Three charged after man’s body found at Kinnordy Nature Reserve in Scotland. Sky News. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://news.sky.com/story/three-charged-after-mans-body-found-at-kinnordy-nature-reserve-in-scotland-11405359
Brown, G. (2018a, June 9). Steven Donaldson murder: Police ask for public’s help to hunt down whoever killed ‘a son and a brother.’ The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/667965/steven-donaldson-murder-police-ask-for-publics-help-to-hunt-down-whoever-killed-a-son-and-a-brother/
Brown, G. (2018b, June 29). Steven Donaldson death: Murder accused launches bid to be freed on bail. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/679165/steven-donaldson-death-murder-accused-launches-bid-to-be-freed-on-bail/
Brown, G. (2018c, June 30). Kirrie kirk to offer sanctuary for “shocked and confused” community in wake of tragic Kinnordy events. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/679554/kirrie-kirk-to-offer-sanctuary-for-shocked-and-confused-community-in-wake-of-tragic-kinnordy-events/
Brown, G. (2019a, April 1). Jury shown images of burned-out car and dead body as nature reserve murder trial begins. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/861201/jury-shown-images-of-burned-out-car-and-dead-body-as-nature-reserve-murder-trial-begins/
Brown, G. (2019b, April 12). Steven Donaldson murder trial: Accused seen on “leisurely” Kirrie town centre bike ride at 2am on day body was found. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/869243/steven-donaldson-murder-trial-accused-seen-on-leisurely-kirrie-town-centre-bike-ride-at-2am-on-day-body-was-found/
Brown, G. (2019c, April 23). Steven Donaldson: Murder accused’s phone travelled nearly 4km in early hours before body find. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/876368/steven-donaldson-murder-accuseds-phone-travelled-nearly-4km-in-early-hours-before-body-find/
Brown, G. (2019d, April 25). Steven Donaldson murder accused denies prison cell boast of killing “the boy” and £10k offer to best pal to take rap. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/877601/steven-donaldson-murder-accused-denies-prison-cell-boast-of-killing-the-boy-and-10k-offer-to-best-pal-to-take-rap/
Brown, G. (2019e, April 29). Steven Donaldson murder trial: Tasmin Glass tells jury she discussed moving to Qatar with man she is accused of killing. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/880539/steven-donaldson-murder-trial-tasmin-glass-tells-jury-she-discussed-moving-to-qatar-with-man-she-is-accused-of-killing/
Brown, G. (2019f, May 2). Steven Donaldson murder trial: Jurors sent out to consider verdict. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/883093/steven-donaldson-murder-trial-jurors-sent-out-to-consider-verdict/
Brown, G. (2019g, May 4). Callum Davidson: The brooding “heid chief” who spoke the language of violence. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/882804/callum-davidson-the-brooding-heid-chief-who-spoke-the-language-of-violence/
Callum Davidson v. Her Majesty’s Advocate [2019] HCJAC 84. (2020, January 21). Euan a. Dow, Advocate. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from http://www.euanadowadvocate.co.uk/item/callum-davidson-v-her-majesty-s-advocate-2019-hcjac-85.html
Channel 4 Documentaries. (2024, April 25). Man’s body found dead in Scottish Nature Reserve | Murder Case: Digital Detectives | Channel 4 [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZmYZq7HbV4
Dingwall, B. (2018a, June 11). Steven Donaldson murder: Police looking to trace three men and 4×4 seen in area. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/669134/steven-donaldson-murder-police-looking-to-trace-three-men-and-4x4-seen-in-area/
Dingwall, B. (2018b, June 13). Police close another road near Angus beauty spot where Steven Donaldson was found murdered. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/670026/police-close-another-road-near-angus-beauty-spot-where-steven-donaldson-was-found-murdered/
Dingwall, B. (2018c, June 14). Steven Donaldson murder: Police chief gives details on Arbroath man’s final movements as gathering is planned in hometown. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/670729/steven-donaldson-murder-police-chief-gives-details-on-arbroath-mans-final-movements-as-gathering-is-planned-in-hometown/
Dingwall, B., & Rooney, R. (2018, June 8). Angus death probe: Police say 27-year-old man was murdered with “sharp, heavy weapon.” The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/667846/angus-death-probe-police-say-27-year-old-man-was-murdered-with-sharp-heavy-weapon/
Donate to help family of our best friend, son, brother and uncle. who was taken from us, RIP Stevie D. (n.d.). JustGiving. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stevied
Forensic expert says accused could have been “1m to 2m” from Steven Donaldson, murder trial hears. (2019, April 12). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2556974/forensic-expert-says-accused-could-have-been-1m-to-2m-from-steven-donaldson-murder-trial-hears/
Hamilton, L. (2024, July 26). Tasmin Glass to be released as Kirriemuir killer granted parole. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/5046349/tasmin-glass-kirriemuir-killer-granted-parole-released/
Justice for Steven Donaldson. (n.d.). Facebook. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.facebook.com/justice4steven/
Killer left instructions for family before taking own life. (2021, March 30). STV News. https://news.stv.tv/north/killer-left-instructions-for-family-before-taking-own-life
MacDonald, B. (2024, April 19). Steven Donaldson’s killers documentary to screen on Channel 4. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/tv-film/4954219/channel-4-documentary-steven-donaldson/
Millar, J. (2018, November 4). Steven Donaldson: Family plant oak tree in hope happy memories of “kind, caring” boy will take root. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/757974/steven-donaldson-family-plant-oak-tree-in-hope-happy-memories-of-kind-caring-boy-will-take-root/
Murder accused told police he was watching Family Guy and drinking beer at home on night Steven Donaldson died. (2019, April 13). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/869609/murder-accused-told-police-he-was-watching-family-guy-and-drinking-beer-at-home-on-night-steven-donaldson-died/
Offshore worker “murdered and set on fire.” (2018, June 26). BBC News. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-44615664
Paterson, L., & Mills, K. (2018, June 8). First picture of offshore worker found brutally murdered with “sharp, heavy weapon” in nature reserve car park. The Mirror. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/first-picture-offshore-worker-found-12669698
Scott, D. (2018, June 9). Murder hunt after grim find at nature reserve in Angus. Express.co.uk. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/971615/man-dead-police-murder-investigation-nature-reserve-scotland
Silvester, N. (2018, June 10). Brutally murdered oil worker Steven Donaldson’s best pal asks “Why would anyone hurt him?” Daily Record. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/crime/why-would-anyone-hurt-him-12674755
Steven Donaldson murder accused told his uncle “he’s left him for dead” in 1am phone call. (2019, April 5). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2557172/steven-donaldson-murder-accused-told-his-uncle-hes-left-him-for-dead-in-1am-phone-call/
Steven Donaldson murder charges: Trio accused of stabbing oil worker with blade before setting fire to body. (2018, June 26). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/677890/steven-donaldson-murder-charges-trio-accused-of-stabbing-oil-worker-with-blade-before-setting-fire-to-body/
Steven Donaldson wanted murder accused ex to repay £3k in car dispute, trial hears. (2019, April 4). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/2557217/steven-donaldson-wanted-murder-accused-ex-to-repay-3k-in-car-dispute-trial-hears/
Strachan, G. (2018a, June 13). “Put an end to this nightmare”: Plea to put fear aside and help catch those behind Steven Donaldson murder. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/669711/put-an-end-to-this-nightmare-plea-to-put-fear-aside-and-help-catch-those-behind-steven-donaldson-murder/
Strachan, G. (2018b, July 4). Steven Donaldson death: Murder accused fails in bid to be released on bail. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/681653/steven-donaldson-death-murder-accused-fails-in-bid-to-be-released-on-bail/
Tasmin Glass v. Her Majesty’s Advocate [2019] HCJAC 90. (n.d.). Euan a. Dow, Advocate. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from http://www.euanadowadvocate.co.uk/item/tasmin-glass-v-her-majesty-s-advocate-2019-hcjac-90.html?highlight=WyJzdGV2ZW4iLCJkaWNraWUiXQ==
Teen bailed as trio appear in court accused of murdering man in local nature reserve. (2018, October 12). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/2561312/teen-bailed-as-trio-appear-in-court-accused-of-murdering-man-in-local-nature-reserve/
The Courier. (2019, May 2). Accused Tasmin Glass ‘from good home and no gold-digger killer’, Steven Donaldson murder trial hears. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2556251/accused-tasmin-glass-from-good-home-and-no-gold-digger-killer-steven-donaldson-murder-trial-hears/
Thomson, J. (2018a, June 7). Man’s body found at RSPB nature reserve near Kirriemuir. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/666847/mans-body-found-at-rspb-nature-reserve-near-kirriemuir/
Thomson, J. (2018b, June 11). “If whoever did this had a conscience they should come forward” — Appeal for Steven Donaldson killer to turn themselves in. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/668203/if-whoever-did-this-had-a-conscience-they-should-come-forward-appeal-for-steven-donaldson-killer-to-turn-themselves-in/
Thomson, J. (2018c, June 18). Steven Donaldson death: Three appear in court accused of murder. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/672635/steven-donaldson-death-three-appear-in-court-accused-of-murder/
Thomson, J. (2018d, July 16). “Let’s give him the sending off he deserves”: Steven Donaldson family prepare to lay him to rest. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/688974/lets-give-him-the-sending-off-he-deserves-steven-donaldson-family-prepare-to-lay-him-to-rest/
Thomson, J. (2018e, October 17). Steven Donaldson death: Family slam judge’s decision to free murder accused Glass on bail. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/745912/steven-donaldson-death-family-slam-judges-decision-to-free-murder-accused-glass-on-bail/
Three charged over Steven Donaldson death. (2018, June 15). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/671408/three-charged-over-steven-donaldson-death/
Three people deny Kirriemuir nature reserve murder. (2018, October 12). BBC News. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-45835819
Traffic cop tells of 40m drag mark to where Steven Donaldson’s body was found, murder trial hears. (2019, April 12). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2556953/traffic-cop-says-tells-of-40m-drag-mark-to-where-steven-donaldsons-body-was-found-murder-trial-hears/
Trio in court accused of murdering local man Steven Donaldson. (2018, June 26). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2564591/trio-in-court-accused-of-murdering-local-man-steven-donaldson/
Uchman, D. (2019, April 19). Tasmin Glass to Steven Donaldson: “You either meet me up the hill or not at all”, trial hears. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/2556716/tasmin-glass-to-steven-donaldson-you-either-meet-me-up-the-hill-or-not-at-all-trial-hears/