Youth jailed for pensioner murder
James Kerr must spend at least 13 years in jail
A West Lothian teenager who repeatedly shot a grandfather in the head, leaving him in a pool of blood, has been given a life sentence. James Kerr, 18, fired three shots at Thomas Nicoll from point blank range in the pensioner's Winchburgh home, reloading after each shot.
He also hit his 72-year-old victim in the face with the butt of his airgun.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Kerr was told he must serve at least 13 years before he can apply for parole.
The court heard Kerr's ex-girlfriend had claimed the pensioner had molested her - allegations which were "vehemently denied".
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A police investigation found no evidence to support the claims.
In passing a mandatory life sentence, Judge Lady Dorrian told Kerr, who pleaded guilty to murder, that it had been a "brutal and savage" attack.
She said: "It must be viewed as a deliberate and violent attack on an elderly man in his own home."
A lone cry of "evil" from the public gallery was heard as Kerr was led away to begin his sentence.
Mr Nicoll had retired from his job as a chauffeur and gardener in 1996 and, at the time of his death in August 2007, worked part-time as a "door greeter" at McDonald's in Newbridge.
Solicitor advocate John Keenan, defending, said Kerr wished to state in court his "very great remorse" for the murder.
He said: "He does appreciate the consequences of what he has done and the very substantial sorrow he has brought to the family of the deceased."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...st/7195993.stm
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