Two men jailed for brutal murder of Hawick man
Published 23 Jan 2011 09:30
1 Comment
TWO men have been sentenced for the murder of a 45-year-old man in the Borders last year.
Christopher McColm was beaten to death within his own home in Beattie Court, Hawick, on Friday, April 2.
Aleksandr Podgornoi (25), and Vladimir Jakovlev (24), had previously been found guilty of his murder, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
At the High Court in Livingston, both received life sentences, with a recommendation that they serve a minimum of 19 years, following which they will both be deported.
Both men stayed in the same block of flats as their victim, and had been drinking heavily prior to the attack, which took place around 4.30pm.
Christopher, who had health problems, was severely beaten, suffering multiple injuries to his head and body. Police were called to the address by neighbours who heard the disturbance, and both Podgornoi and Jakovlev were arrested nearby.
Christopher was taken to the Borders General Hospital and thereafter the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh for treatment, but passed away the following day.
Giving their reaction to today's sentence, Christopher's family expressed their dismay at his killers' lack of remorse.
In a statement, his brother Colin Turnbull said: "Although the evidence against these two murderers was overwhelming, they still chose to plead not guilty, forcing our family to endure the ordeal of sitting for three weeks through a trial with evidence that was so graphic and harrowing.
"We will always be haunted by the unimaginable level of violence they inflicted on Chris, however we are pleased that the murder investigation has resulted in justice for our family.
"At this time we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the paramedics and hospital staff who all tried in vain to save Chris's life. Our thanks also go to the police and everyone else involved in obtaining a successful conviction.
"The family were blown away by the response of the local community who played their part in the conviction, especially Chris's neighbour who called the police on hearing the attack, which led to the swift arrest of these two brutal thugs.
"A message of thanks must also go to the Organ Donation Co-ordinator who helped us deal with the loss of Chris, by helping to give life to others.
"Although we are happy with the sentence that has been passed down today, we as a family have also been given a life sentence, in that our lives will never be the same without Chris. We have lost a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, and he can never be replaced."
Detective Inspector Jim Robertson, who led the investigation, said: "The sentence that has been passed down today reflects the viciousness of the attack that Christopher was subjected to.
"He was a frail individual who had little chance of defending himself, and it is clear through their actions that both Podgornoi and Jakovlev are callous individuals, who thought nothing of attacking someone in such a vulnerable position.
"I am satisfied with today's sentence, and I hope it will provide some closure to Christopher's family, who have carried themselves with dignity throughout what has been a heartbreaking process for them."
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denni 45
Unregistered User
Feb 5, 10:21
Report commentwhat a dispicable pair!!!why keep then in prison,best to send them back to there home lands and let them deal with them there.
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