Teens Jailed For Bathgate Killings
16 October 2015, 12:54 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50
Two teenagers from West Lothian have been sentenced to a total of 46 years in prison after being found guilty of killing two men in Bathgate last year.
Andrew Moran, 19, was convicted of two counts of murder and Paul Erskine, also 19, was found guilty of one count of murder and one of culpable homicide.
Moran was told he must serve at least 24 years in prison while Erskine received a minimum of 22 years having both been given mandatory life sentences at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Harry Reekie, who was 65, died as a result of the injuries he sustained after the men broke into his home on Lothian Street on September 16, 2014.
On the following day, 31 year old Steven Mitchell was murdered at his home on Marmion Road.
Following today's sentencing Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham who leads Police Scotland' s Major Investigation Team East, said: "Only Andrew Moran and Paul Erskine know why they chose to carry out such brutal attacks against Harry Reekie and Steven Mitchell.
"They have so far shown absolutely no remorse for their crimes and have refused to explain their motivations, something that the families and those closest to the victims would have appreciated to help them come to terms with their loss.
"In the absence of any explanation, it is reasonable to infer that they are both highly dangerous men who displayed no regard for their victims.
"My thoughts are today with the families and loved ones of Mr Reekie and Mr Mitchell who have been forced to endure tremendous anguish for more than a year.
"Although nothing can undo the evil actions of Moran and Erskine I hope the sentence handed down today provides them with some comfort and a sense of closure.
"I also want to take this opportunity to recognise the extensive police investigation and the professionalism shown by officers over the course of this investigation.
"It is thanks to their commitment that two extremely violent men have been removed from our streets."
