Caroline Glachan murderers to appeal life sentences

Two men jailed for life for the murder of a schoolgirl in 1996 are to appeal their convictions and sentences.

Robert O'Brien, 45, and Andrew Kelly, 44, were convicted in December of Caroline Glachan's murder after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

O'Brien must serve at least 22 years and Kelly at least 18 years before they can apply for parole.

Donna Marie Brand, 44, was also found guilty of murder and is still to be sentenced.

The body of Caroline Glachan, 14, was discovered on the banks of the River Leven in Renton, West Dunbartsonshire, on 25 August 1996.

A murder investigation was launched and the case was featured twice on the BBC's Crimewatch UK programme.

Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team re-examined the case in the summer of 2019 after finding evidence that contradicted the trio's alibis.

During the two-week trial, the jury heard Caroline was "infatuated" with O'Brien and left her home in Bonhill shortly before midnight to meet him at a bridge on the River Leven.

The teenager was then subjected to what prosecutor Alex Prentice KC described as a "horrific and violent attack".

Her body was discovered by a passer-by face down in the river. A post-mortem examination revealed Caroline had suffered at least 10 blows to the head and extensive skull fractures.

The trio had denied murder but were convicted after a two-week trial.

Judge Lord Braid described the killing as "brutal, depraved and above all wicked".