Janice R. Andrews
Two men have been found guilty in a historic decision of the cruel murder of schoolgirl Caroline Glachan in West Dunbartonshire more than 27 years ago.
They have been sentenced to life in prison. The conviction of 45-year-old Robert O’Brien and 44-year-old Andrew Kelly for the August 1996 murder of 14-year-old Caroline took place close to her Renton home.
O’Brien was given a minimum sentence of 22 years at the Glasgow High Court, while Kelly was given a minimum term of 18 years. Donna Marie Brand, 44, who was also found guilty in the case, will be sentenced in March after being hospitalised for a respiratory infection prevented her from receiving a sentence at that time.
Outside of court, Margaret McKeich, Caroline’s mother, expressed conflicting feelings, saying that although she has been waiting 27 years for justice, she is saddened that one of the offenders will eventually be sentenced. She expressed her delight that Caroline had received justice, saying that the result exceeded her expectations.
The case’s judge, Lord Braid, described Caroline’s murder as “brutal, depraved, and above all wicked.” Using “extreme violence,” he named O’Brien as the primary offender, but he also acknowledged Kelly’s role in inflicting “murderous violence” on the teenager.
Caroline’s life was profoundly affected, as Lord Braid noted, “You have taken a daughter from a loving mother.” He brought attention to Caroline’s family’s permanent loss by preventing them from seeing the lady Caroline may have been.
The trio repeatedly attacked Caroline, causing blunt force injuries to her head and torso, according to testimony presented during the trial. Caroline was shoved into the thicket as a result of the attack, and she was later discovered dead in the river at Place of Bonhill, Renton.
According to Lord Braid, O’Brien set up a meeting with Caroline under false pretences, which resulted in a planned and vicious attack. He denounced the behaviour of both O’Brien and Kelly, pointing out that the murder occurred in the presence of two small children.
In her testimony, Caroline’s mother discussed her daughter’s obsession with O’Brien and expressed concern because of their age gap. In addition, the court heard testimony from a forensic pathologist and Caroline’s childhood friend, who shed light on O’Brien’s menacing actions and the reason behind Caroline’s drowning death.
Taking into account O’Brien’s later criminal record, the judge found no mitigating considerations notwithstanding his age at the time of the incident. Kelly, who was 16 at the time, was given some wiggle room because of his age and his small part in the event.
O’Brien and Kelly’s solicitors emphasised the negative effects of drug usage on their lives while upholding their clients’ innocence.
The sentencing puts an end to Caroline Glachan’s family’s protracted and traumatic quest for justice.
