Pair Convicted of Caroline Glachan’s Murder Lose Appeals
Donna Brand and Andrew Kelly’s appeals against their murder convictions were denied, maintaining their life sentences for the 1996 crime.
Caroline Glachan, Renton, Scotland, Murder, Appeal
Renton: So, it looks like Donna Brand and Andrew Kelly are still facing the music for the murder of 14-year-old Caroline Glachan. They tried to appeal their convictions, claiming they were wrongfully convicted, but the judges weren’t having it.
Back in August 1996, Caroline was killed near the River Leven, and it was a pretty brutal case. Brand and Kelly, along with another guy named Robert O’Brien, were found guilty after a trial in Glasgow. They all got life sentences, with O’Brien facing the longest stretch.
Both Brand and Kelly, now 45, argued that there wasn’t enough evidence to back up their convictions. O’Brien didn’t even get a chance to appeal. But the judges in Edinburgh shot down their claims, saying there was clear evidence of their malice towards Caroline.
The judges pointed out that the attack was violent, involving sticks and rocks. They said the jury had every right to find them guilty based on the evidence presented. It’s a tough situation, and the judges felt the sentences were fair given the horrific nature of the crime.
Caroline’s body was found in the river, and it was clear she had suffered serious injuries. The whole thing is just heartbreaking, and it’s a reminder of how brutal some cases can be. Even after all these years, the pain of what happened still lingers.