Man cleared of World's End murders of two girls could stand trial again under ... - Scottish Daily Record

Mar 14 2012

Angus sinclair

Pictures show, from top, Angus Sinclair at court in 2007; Christine Eadie; and Helen Scott

A NEW investigation into the World's End murders in Edinburgh has been launched under double jeopardy legislation.

Convicted double killer Angus Sinclair was cleared in 2007 of raping and murdering Christine Eadie and Helen Scott in 1977.

The girls were last seen leaving the World's End bar. The judge ruled there was not enough evidence for the jury to reach a verdict.

Sinclair could now stand trial again as Lothain and Borders Police have been instructed to carry out further investigation into the murders.

He is serving a life sentence for killing 17-year-old Mary Gallagher in 1978. Sinclair also strangled eight-year-old Catherine Reehill in 1961.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "Whilst it is not appropriate to comment or speculate on the live investigation into these murders, the public can be assured that where there is new, compelling evidence of guilt, the length of time since committal or acquittal should offer no protection.

"We are committed to using the powers under the new double jeopardy legislation. We hope that this commitment will give reassurance to the families of Helen Scott and Christine Eadie."

The Crown said officials have met with the girls' families and they are being kept informed of developments in the case.

The Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out conditions where accused can be retried for a crime they were previously acquitted of.

If new evidence emerges, or it is found that an acquitted person has admitted to committing the offence, or where the original trial was "tainted", possibly by witness intimidation, the case can be investigated again.

When the law was discussed in parliament, the case of the World's End murders was frequently highlighted as showing the need for a law change that would allow a suspect to be tried twice for the same crime.

The Crown Office said other cases are under review by Solicitor General Lesley Thomson QC, and they may be prosecuted again under the Double Jeopardy Act.