MSP Bill Walker found guilty of string of domestic abuse over 28 years An MSP has been found guilty of attacking his wives in a string domestic abuse assaults over almost three decades. Bill Walker, 71, stood trial for 23 charges of assault and one of breach of the peace at various addresses in Edinburgh, Stirling, Midlothian and Alloa between 1967 and 1995. On Thursday, Sheriff Katherine Mackie found Walker guilty of all the charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. She said the evidence showed him to be controlling, domineering, demeaning and belittling towards his three ex-wives. Sheriff Mackie said: "I found all the Crown's witnesses, and in particular the three principal complainers, credible and reliable. I did not find the accused a credible witness. I reject his contention that the complainers had fabricated their evidence. Sentencing has been deferred until next month for reports. Walker did not talk to reporter as he left court accompanied by his solicitor. Russel McPhate made a short statement on the MSP's behalf: "Mr Walker is obviously disappointed to be convicted of all the charges today. The verdicts, in particularly the comments of the sheriff, will be very carefully considered. In the meantime, he'd like to thank his wife, his family, his colleagues, his staff and his friends, who have supported him throughout this ordeal, which of course has lasted since March last year and is not over yet. Because the case has not concluded, it would not be appropriate for Mr Walker to answer any questions or make any further statement today. During the nine-day trial, the court heard evidence from his ex-wives, including Maureen Traquair who said the politician left her with a black eye after hitting her a few weeks before their wedding. She said she had to wear make-up on her wedding day in January 1967 to try and cover the marks on her face. Showing the court a photograph from the day, she said: "I can see the bruising that still remains from the wound that I got. It's a dark colour. The court also heard when his second wife, Anne Gruber, gave birth to their third son, Walker was with another woman. A health worker told the court: "What I remember clearly is on the night Douglas was born Anne's husband wasn't available. She was left alone having her baby without her husband's support. She told me that on the night Douglas was born her husband had another woman. Walker was elected as the SNP MSP for Dunfermline in 2011. He has been an independent member since the SNP kicked him out of the party when the allegations came to light.