Celtic face threat of multimillion pound compensation claim(The Times)

Cairney is an absolute scumbag.

By delaying his case so many times, it just makes him look guilty as hell, and prolongs the pain for the victims.

It should not be allowed.

Not just Cairney but his defence team, and by extension, the whole fucking rotten justice system.
So can anybody up on such a serious charge, complete with stressed out complainants, just tell the courts to GTF until they see fit to actually turn up?

SNP Scotland is now just a banana republic right enough.
 
Not just Cairney but his defence team, and by extension, the whole fucking rotten justice system.
So can anybody up on such a serious charge, complete with stressed out complainants, just tell the courts to GTF until they see fit to actually turn up?

SNP Scotland is now just a banana republic right enough.
Maybe Carloway could look into the delays?
 
The Times are definitely on it. They won’t print anything until after the trial.

Is this not the main reason for postponing it, as opposed to waiting until he is tool old to go on trial - as suggested by a poster above?

Keep it out the paper for as long as possible.
 
McCafferty was Celtics kit man, how is that a separate entity. Lawrence Haggerts murder should be looked at again. I'd bet my mortgage that his killer was connected to a paedophile within Celtic FC
This 100%. The lead police was related to Cardinal Winnimg I believe. The police tried to fit up the poor boys brother ffs. Did any of them get charged with this? Who were they covering for? Very questionable that known peadophiles at celtic were not involved in this
 
The case needs to be reinvestigated in order to establish if there were any links to McCafferty, others, and ‘the ring’…

Lawrence Haggart (15) was attacked in the living room of his home on the night of 16th March 1996. He was bludgeoned and tortured (including having his feet set on fire) and died from his injuries on 17th March. There were no signs of forced entry at the property.

Lawrence came through Celtic Boys Club and was signed by Tommy Burns as a Celtic F.C. Youth player. He was expected to sign senior terms the following December.

The Lead Up To The Murder

Lawrence was coached by McCafferty (convicted paedophile) at Celtic Boys Club.

McCafferty was a regular visitor to the Haggart home and occasionally took Lawrence to football matches.

Around the time of the murder, McCafferty was subject of an investigation into allegations of indecency and growing rumours about his abuse of Celtic Boys Club players.

McCafferty phoned Lawrence’s house on the day of the murder.

The Investigation

Brian Beattie - a known local paedophile - was interviewed by police the day after the attack but ruled out as a suspect.

McCafferty was named as a suspect but was not pursued.

The home of Lawrence Haggart was searched by police 9 times between 17 March and 22 March and no murder weapon was found. On 22 March a detective searching the home ‘discovered’ a hammer in the kitchen (we are to believe that detectives failed to spot this during the 9 previous crime scene searches). This discovery supported a narrative being pushed by investigating officers that Lawrence’s younger brother Dennis had bludgeoned him and set him on fire through jealousy.

Some investigating officers were intent on framing Lawrence’s younger brother.

Lawrence had the number ‘110’ written on the palms of his hands and carved into his shoulder (likely done with a key). This has never been explained.

A few weeks after the murder, McCafferty left Celtic.
The carpet and couch from the living room where the attack happened was disposed of soon after the murder, with the agreement of the police. They had not been subjected to any detailed forensic examination.

6 months after Lawrence’s murder, his dad Larry was furious at the lack of progress by police and vowed to ‘act alone’ to find out what happened.

On the first anniversary of Lawrence’s death, Detective Superintendent Joe Holden, who had recently taken charge of the case, said: "It is perfectly possible Lawrence knew his attacker, since there was no forced entry."

19 months after the murder, police identified Brian Beattie as prime suspect. He was on remand for another, unconnected, offence at the time.

The case against Beattie depended on police evidence of Beattie confessing to the murder, however no confession was ever recorded and Beattie never signed confessions that had been written up by officers.

At Beattie’s trial, defence lawyer Mr Edgar Prais QC said "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the defence calls the police liars."

The defence alleged that Beattie was beaten while in custody.
The defence said it was strange that when Beattie supposedly confessed, no tape recording was made.

The defence discussed forensic tests that were carried out in Scotland and by the FBI in Washington - in all tests, Beattie was eliminated from any connection with the murder scene.

Beattie was convicted of Lawrence’s murder in May 1998.

Following the conviction of Beattie, Assistant Chief Constable James Mackay was ordered to investigate the CID's conduct during the investigation.

For seven years, Mackay’s report was kept hidden – not even Lawrence Haggart’s family were allowed to see it. Lawrence's father Larry said: "We will not be told the outcome, which is shocking. "It's all cloak and dagger stuff. They don't want us to know what went on."

However, seven years after the report was hidden, FOI came into existence. Author Russell Findlay submitted a FOI request with the blessing of Lawrence’s dad Larry. The report revealed that officers who has searched the house 9 times prior to 22 March were adamant there had been no hammer at the scene.

The report lists a catalogue of errors made by investigating officers, including: faking entries in an official diary of the murder inquiry; contaminating the crime scene; destroying evidence; losing a possible murder weapon.

The report concluded that the conduct of some officers was “allegedly criminal”.

The report criticised the inquiry head DS Jim Winning for not pursuing McCafferty as a suspect.

Not a single newspaper or broadcaster followed up the damning contents of the Mackay report.

Chief Insp Winning (in his late 40s), who led the initial investigation, was advised by both his GP and the force's own medical officer that he should retire immediately on health grounds. In doing so, Winning was exempt from prosecution for wrongdoing.

Two detective sergeants who worked on the original investigation were returned to uniformed duties.

In January 1999, Beattie launched an appeal against his conviction. Beattie alleged the judge allowed certain evidence that was inadmissible. He also claims Lord Dawson misdirected the jury in his summing-up at the end of the four-week trial. Beattie's solicitor said the grounds for appeal included "information that was brought to our attention after the trial".

Beattie’s appeal was rejected. Following the appeal, the Lord Justice General, Lord Cullen, who heard the appeal with Lord Hamilton and Lady Cosgrove, said they had reservations over Lord Dawson's treatment of the police evidence during Beattie’s trial. However, no action was taken.

Over 20 years later, Beattie still claims he is innocent of Lawrence’s murder.

I’ve read a bit about Beattie’s background and there is no question he is a depraved beast of the worst kind. He had previous for breaking into the homes of teenage boys and assaulting them. But something is rank rotten with the whole Lawrence Haggart case.

Given what is now known about McCafferty, there is clear cause for investigating what his involvement was, who else was involved, and which positions of power are implicated.'
 
The case needs to be reinvestigated in order to establish if there were any links to McCafferty, others, and ‘the ring’…

Lawrence Haggart (15) was attacked in the living room of his home on the night of 16th March 1996. He was bludgeoned and tortured (including having his feet set on fire) and died from his injuries on 17th March. There were no signs of forced entry at the property.

Lawrence came through Celtic Boys Club and was signed by Tommy Burns as a Celtic F.C. Youth player. He was expected to sign senior terms the following December.

The Lead Up To The Murder

Lawrence was coached by McCafferty (convicted paedophile) at Celtic Boys Club.

McCafferty was a regular visitor to the Haggart home and occasionally took Lawrence to football matches.

Around the time of the murder, McCafferty was subject of an investigation into allegations of indecency and growing rumours about his abuse of Celtic Boys Club players.

McCafferty phoned Lawrence’s house on the day of the murder.

The Investigation

Brian Beattie - a known local paedophile - was interviewed by police the day after the attack but ruled out as a suspect.

McCafferty was named as a suspect but was not pursued.

The home of Lawrence Haggart was searched by police 9 times between 17 March and 22 March and no murder weapon was found. On 22 March a detective searching the home ‘discovered’ a hammer in the kitchen (we are to believe that detectives failed to spot this during the 9 previous crime scene searches). This discovery supported a narrative being pushed by investigating officers that Lawrence’s younger brother Dennis had bludgeoned him and set him on fire through jealousy.

Some investigating officers were intent on framing Lawrence’s younger brother.

Lawrence had the number ‘110’ written on the palms of his hands and carved into his shoulder (likely done with a key). This has never been explained.

A few weeks after the murder, McCafferty left Celtic.
The carpet and couch from the living room where the attack happened was disposed of soon after the murder, with the agreement of the police. They had not been subjected to any detailed forensic examination.

6 months after Lawrence’s murder, his dad Larry was furious at the lack of progress by police and vowed to ‘act alone’ to find out what happened.

On the first anniversary of Lawrence’s death, Detective Superintendent Joe Holden, who had recently taken charge of the case, said: "It is perfectly possible Lawrence knew his attacker, since there was no forced entry."

19 months after the murder, police identified Brian Beattie as prime suspect. He was on remand for another, unconnected, offence at the time.

The case against Beattie depended on police evidence of Beattie confessing to the murder, however no confession was ever recorded and Beattie never signed confessions that had been written up by officers.

At Beattie’s trial, defence lawyer Mr Edgar Prais QC said "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the defence calls the police liars."

The defence alleged that Beattie was beaten while in custody.
The defence said it was strange that when Beattie supposedly confessed, no tape recording was made.

The defence discussed forensic tests that were carried out in Scotland and by the FBI in Washington - in all tests, Beattie was eliminated from any connection with the murder scene.

Beattie was convicted of Lawrence’s murder in May 1998.

Following the conviction of Beattie, Assistant Chief Constable James Mackay was ordered to investigate the CID's conduct during the investigation.

For seven years, Mackay’s report was kept hidden – not even Lawrence Haggart’s family were allowed to see it. Lawrence's father Larry said: "We will not be told the outcome, which is shocking. "It's all cloak and dagger stuff. They don't want us to know what went on."

However, seven years after the report was hidden, FOI came into existence. Author Russell Findlay submitted a FOI request with the blessing of Lawrence’s dad Larry. The report revealed that officers who has searched the house 9 times prior to 22 March were adamant there had been no hammer at the scene.

The report lists a catalogue of errors made by investigating officers, including: faking entries in an official diary of the murder inquiry; contaminating the crime scene; destroying evidence; losing a possible murder weapon.

The report concluded that the conduct of some officers was “allegedly criminal”.

The report criticised the inquiry head DS Jim Winning for not pursuing McCafferty as a suspect.

Not a single newspaper or broadcaster followed up the damning contents of the Mackay report.

Chief Insp Winning (in his late 40s), who led the initial investigation, was advised by both his GP and the force's own medical officer that he should retire immediately on health grounds. In doing so, Winning was exempt from prosecution for wrongdoing.

Two detective sergeants who worked on the original investigation were returned to uniformed duties.

In January 1999, Beattie launched an appeal against his conviction. Beattie alleged the judge allowed certain evidence that was inadmissible. He also claims Lord Dawson misdirected the jury in his summing-up at the end of the four-week trial. Beattie's solicitor said the grounds for appeal included "information that was brought to our attention after the trial".

Beattie’s appeal was rejected. Following the appeal, the Lord Justice General, Lord Cullen, who heard the appeal with Lord Hamilton and Lady Cosgrove, said they had reservations over Lord Dawson's treatment of the police evidence during Beattie’s trial. However, no action was taken.

Over 20 years later, Beattie still claims he is innocent of Lawrence’s murder.

I’ve read a bit about Beattie’s background and there is no question he is a depraved beast of the worst kind. He had previous for breaking into the homes of teenage boys and assaulting them. But something is rank rotten with the whole Lawrence Haggart case.

Given what is now known about McCafferty, there is clear cause for investigating what his involvement was, who else was involved, and which positions of power are implicated.'
If only there were investigative journalists in this country.
The whole thing is a cover up and has the finger prints of CFC and RCC all over it
 
The case needs to be reinvestigated in order to establish if there were any links to McCafferty, others, and ‘the ring’…

Lawrence Haggart (15) was attacked in the living room of his home on the night of 16th March 1996. He was bludgeoned and tortured (including having his feet set on fire) and died from his injuries on 17th March. There were no signs of forced entry at the property.

Lawrence came through Celtic Boys Club and was signed by Tommy Burns as a Celtic F.C. Youth player. He was expected to sign senior terms the following December.

The Lead Up To The Murder

Lawrence was coached by McCafferty (convicted paedophile) at Celtic Boys Club.

McCafferty was a regular visitor to the Haggart home and occasionally took Lawrence to football matches.

Around the time of the murder, McCafferty was subject of an investigation into allegations of indecency and growing rumours about his abuse of Celtic Boys Club players.

McCafferty phoned Lawrence’s house on the day of the murder.

The Investigation

Brian Beattie - a known local paedophile - was interviewed by police the day after the attack but ruled out as a suspect.

McCafferty was named as a suspect but was not pursued.

The home of Lawrence Haggart was searched by police 9 times between 17 March and 22 March and no murder weapon was found. On 22 March a detective searching the home ‘discovered’ a hammer in the kitchen (we are to believe that detectives failed to spot this during the 9 previous crime scene searches). This discovery supported a narrative being pushed by investigating officers that Lawrence’s younger brother Dennis had bludgeoned him and set him on fire through jealousy.

Some investigating officers were intent on framing Lawrence’s younger brother.

Lawrence had the number ‘110’ written on the palms of his hands and carved into his shoulder (likely done with a key). This has never been explained.

A few weeks after the murder, McCafferty left Celtic.
The carpet and couch from the living room where the attack happened was disposed of soon after the murder, with the agreement of the police. They had not been subjected to any detailed forensic examination.

6 months after Lawrence’s murder, his dad Larry was furious at the lack of progress by police and vowed to ‘act alone’ to find out what happened.

On the first anniversary of Lawrence’s death, Detective Superintendent Joe Holden, who had recently taken charge of the case, said: "It is perfectly possible Lawrence knew his attacker, since there was no forced entry."

19 months after the murder, police identified Brian Beattie as prime suspect. He was on remand for another, unconnected, offence at the time.

The case against Beattie depended on police evidence of Beattie confessing to the murder, however no confession was ever recorded and Beattie never signed confessions that had been written up by officers.

At Beattie’s trial, defence lawyer Mr Edgar Prais QC said "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the defence calls the police liars."

The defence alleged that Beattie was beaten while in custody.
The defence said it was strange that when Beattie supposedly confessed, no tape recording was made.

The defence discussed forensic tests that were carried out in Scotland and by the FBI in Washington - in all tests, Beattie was eliminated from any connection with the murder scene.

Beattie was convicted of Lawrence’s murder in May 1998.

Following the conviction of Beattie, Assistant Chief Constable James Mackay was ordered to investigate the CID's conduct during the investigation.

For seven years, Mackay’s report was kept hidden – not even Lawrence Haggart’s family were allowed to see it. Lawrence's father Larry said: "We will not be told the outcome, which is shocking. "It's all cloak and dagger stuff. They don't want us to know what went on."

However, seven years after the report was hidden, FOI came into existence. Author Russell Findlay submitted a FOI request with the blessing of Lawrence’s dad Larry. The report revealed that officers who has searched the house 9 times prior to 22 March were adamant there had been no hammer at the scene.

The report lists a catalogue of errors made by investigating officers, including: faking entries in an official diary of the murder inquiry; contaminating the crime scene; destroying evidence; losing a possible murder weapon.

The report concluded that the conduct of some officers was “allegedly criminal”.

The report criticised the inquiry head DS Jim Winning for not pursuing McCafferty as a suspect.

Not a single newspaper or broadcaster followed up the damning contents of the Mackay report.

Chief Insp Winning (in his late 40s), who led the initial investigation, was advised by both his GP and the force's own medical officer that he should retire immediately on health grounds. In doing so, Winning was exempt from prosecution for wrongdoing.

Two detective sergeants who worked on the original investigation were returned to uniformed duties.

In January 1999, Beattie launched an appeal against his conviction. Beattie alleged the judge allowed certain evidence that was inadmissible. He also claims Lord Dawson misdirected the jury in his summing-up at the end of the four-week trial. Beattie's solicitor said the grounds for appeal included "information that was brought to our attention after the trial".

Beattie’s appeal was rejected. Following the appeal, the Lord Justice General, Lord Cullen, who heard the appeal with Lord Hamilton and Lady Cosgrove, said they had reservations over Lord Dawson's treatment of the police evidence during Beattie’s trial. However, no action was taken.

Over 20 years later, Beattie still claims he is innocent of Lawrence’s murder.

I’ve read a bit about Beattie’s background and there is no question he is a depraved beast of the worst kind. He had previous for breaking into the homes of teenage boys and assaulting them. But something is rank rotten with the whole Lawrence Haggart case.

Given what is now known about McCafferty, there is clear cause for investigating what his involvement was, who else was involved, and which positions of power are implicated.'
I have always been of the opinion this young lads murder seriously needs looked at again and that monster McCafferty has all the answers as to what happened.
 
It's been established that McCafferty phoned the boys house on the day of the murder, and that on that night Lawrence's mother was out on a night out. What are the chances of a peodophile turning up at someones door on the one night the child's parents are out.
It's not much of a stretch to imagine the boys mother told McCafferty she would be out when he phoned earlier.
 
There has been huge advances in forensics/dna since that young guys murder, i am sure there will be materials archived from that case that can be retested using modern means.
I wouldn't be to sure about materials being archived, the PFs department have previous for "loosing" evidence. I would not be surprised in the slightest if some or all archived material in this case has been "lost".
The whole thing stinks. This young lad deserves justice and his family deserve to know the truth.
 
I wouldn't be to sure about materials being archived, the PFs department have previous for "loosing" evidence. I would not be surprised in the slightest if some or all archived material in this case has been "lost".
The whole thing stinks. This young lad deserves justice and his family deserve to know the truth.
We need a John Rebus working this "cold case"
 
The case needs to be reinvestigated in order to establish if there were any links to McCafferty, others, and ‘the ring’…

Lawrence Haggart (15) was attacked in the living room of his home on the night of 16th March 1996. He was bludgeoned and tortured (including having his feet set on fire) and died from his injuries on 17th March. There were no signs of forced entry at the property.

Lawrence came through Celtic Boys Club and was signed by Tommy Burns as a Celtic F.C. Youth player. He was expected to sign senior terms the following December.

The Lead Up To The Murder

Lawrence was coached by McCafferty (convicted paedophile) at Celtic Boys Club.

McCafferty was a regular visitor to the Haggart home and occasionally took Lawrence to football matches.

Around the time of the murder, McCafferty was subject of an investigation into allegations of indecency and growing rumours about his abuse of Celtic Boys Club players.

McCafferty phoned Lawrence’s house on the day of the murder.

The Investigation

Brian Beattie - a known local paedophile - was interviewed by police the day after the attack but ruled out as a suspect.

McCafferty was named as a suspect but was not pursued.

The home of Lawrence Haggart was searched by police 9 times between 17 March and 22 March and no murder weapon was found. On 22 March a detective searching the home ‘discovered’ a hammer in the kitchen (we are to believe that detectives failed to spot this during the 9 previous crime scene searches). This discovery supported a narrative being pushed by investigating officers that Lawrence’s younger brother Dennis had bludgeoned him and set him on fire through jealousy.

Some investigating officers were intent on framing Lawrence’s younger brother.

Lawrence had the number ‘110’ written on the palms of his hands and carved into his shoulder (likely done with a key). This has never been explained.

A few weeks after the murder, McCafferty left Celtic.
The carpet and couch from the living room where the attack happened was disposed of soon after the murder, with the agreement of the police. They had not been subjected to any detailed forensic examination.

6 months after Lawrence’s murder, his dad Larry was furious at the lack of progress by police and vowed to ‘act alone’ to find out what happened.

On the first anniversary of Lawrence’s death, Detective Superintendent Joe Holden, who had recently taken charge of the case, said: "It is perfectly possible Lawrence knew his attacker, since there was no forced entry."

19 months after the murder, police identified Brian Beattie as prime suspect. He was on remand for another, unconnected, offence at the time.

The case against Beattie depended on police evidence of Beattie confessing to the murder, however no confession was ever recorded and Beattie never signed confessions that had been written up by officers.

At Beattie’s trial, defence lawyer Mr Edgar Prais QC said "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the defence calls the police liars."

The defence alleged that Beattie was beaten while in custody.
The defence said it was strange that when Beattie supposedly confessed, no tape recording was made.

The defence discussed forensic tests that were carried out in Scotland and by the FBI in Washington - in all tests, Beattie was eliminated from any connection with the murder scene.

Beattie was convicted of Lawrence’s murder in May 1998.

Following the conviction of Beattie, Assistant Chief Constable James Mackay was ordered to investigate the CID's conduct during the investigation.

For seven years, Mackay’s report was kept hidden – not even Lawrence Haggart’s family were allowed to see it. Lawrence's father Larry said: "We will not be told the outcome, which is shocking. "It's all cloak and dagger stuff. They don't want us to know what went on."

However, seven years after the report was hidden, FOI came into existence. Author Russell Findlay submitted a FOI request with the blessing of Lawrence’s dad Larry. The report revealed that officers who has searched the house 9 times prior to 22 March were adamant there had been no hammer at the scene.

The report lists a catalogue of errors made by investigating officers, including: faking entries in an official diary of the murder inquiry; contaminating the crime scene; destroying evidence; losing a possible murder weapon.

The report concluded that the conduct of some officers was “allegedly criminal”.

The report criticised the inquiry head DS Jim Winning for not pursuing McCafferty as a suspect.

Not a single newspaper or broadcaster followed up the damning contents of the Mackay report.

Chief Insp Winning (in his late 40s), who led the initial investigation, was advised by both his GP and the force's own medical officer that he should retire immediately on health grounds. In doing so, Winning was exempt from prosecution for wrongdoing.

Two detective sergeants who worked on the original investigation were returned to uniformed duties.

In January 1999, Beattie launched an appeal against his conviction. Beattie alleged the judge allowed certain evidence that was inadmissible. He also claims Lord Dawson misdirected the jury in his summing-up at the end of the four-week trial. Beattie's solicitor said the grounds for appeal included "information that was brought to our attention after the trial".

Beattie’s appeal was rejected. Following the appeal, the Lord Justice General, Lord Cullen, who heard the appeal with Lord Hamilton and Lady Cosgrove, said they had reservations over Lord Dawson's treatment of the police evidence during Beattie’s trial. However, no action was taken.

Over 20 years later, Beattie still claims he is innocent of Lawrence’s murder.

I’ve read a bit about Beattie’s background and there is no question he is a depraved beast of the worst kind. He had previous for breaking into the homes of teenage boys and assaulting them. But something is rank rotten with the whole Lawrence Haggart case.

Given what is now known about McCafferty, there is clear cause for investigating what his involvement was, who else was involved, and which positions of power are implicated.'

That's shocking.
 
The case needs to be reinvestigated in order to establish if there were any links to McCafferty, others, and ‘the ring’…

Lawrence Haggart (15) was attacked in the living room of his home on the night of 16th March 1996. He was bludgeoned and tortured (including having his feet set on fire) and died from his injuries on 17th March. There were no signs of forced entry at the property.

Lawrence came through Celtic Boys Club and was signed by Tommy Burns as a Celtic F.C. Youth player. He was expected to sign senior terms the following December.

The Lead Up To The Murder

Lawrence was coached by McCafferty (convicted paedophile) at Celtic Boys Club.

McCafferty was a regular visitor to the Haggart home and occasionally took Lawrence to football matches.

Around the time of the murder, McCafferty was subject of an investigation into allegations of indecency and growing rumours about his abuse of Celtic Boys Club players.

McCafferty phoned Lawrence’s house on the day of the murder.

The Investigation

Brian Beattie - a known local paedophile - was interviewed by police the day after the attack but ruled out as a suspect.

McCafferty was named as a suspect but was not pursued.

The home of Lawrence Haggart was searched by police 9 times between 17 March and 22 March and no murder weapon was found. On 22 March a detective searching the home ‘discovered’ a hammer in the kitchen (we are to believe that detectives failed to spot this during the 9 previous crime scene searches). This discovery supported a narrative being pushed by investigating officers that Lawrence’s younger brother Dennis had bludgeoned him and set him on fire through jealousy.

Some investigating officers were intent on framing Lawrence’s younger brother.

Lawrence had the number ‘110’ written on the palms of his hands and carved into his shoulder (likely done with a key). This has never been explained.

A few weeks after the murder, McCafferty left Celtic.
The carpet and couch from the living room where the attack happened was disposed of soon after the murder, with the agreement of the police. They had not been subjected to any detailed forensic examination.

6 months after Lawrence’s murder, his dad Larry was furious at the lack of progress by police and vowed to ‘act alone’ to find out what happened.

On the first anniversary of Lawrence’s death, Detective Superintendent Joe Holden, who had recently taken charge of the case, said: "It is perfectly possible Lawrence knew his attacker, since there was no forced entry."

19 months after the murder, police identified Brian Beattie as prime suspect. He was on remand for another, unconnected, offence at the time.

The case against Beattie depended on police evidence of Beattie confessing to the murder, however no confession was ever recorded and Beattie never signed confessions that had been written up by officers.

At Beattie’s trial, defence lawyer Mr Edgar Prais QC said "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the defence calls the police liars."

The defence alleged that Beattie was beaten while in custody.
The defence said it was strange that when Beattie supposedly confessed, no tape recording was made.

The defence discussed forensic tests that were carried out in Scotland and by the FBI in Washington - in all tests, Beattie was eliminated from any connection with the murder scene.

Beattie was convicted of Lawrence’s murder in May 1998.

Following the conviction of Beattie, Assistant Chief Constable James Mackay was ordered to investigate the CID's conduct during the investigation.

For seven years, Mackay’s report was kept hidden – not even Lawrence Haggart’s family were allowed to see it. Lawrence's father Larry said: "We will not be told the outcome, which is shocking. "It's all cloak and dagger stuff. They don't want us to know what went on."

However, seven years after the report was hidden, FOI came into existence. Author Russell Findlay submitted a FOI request with the blessing of Lawrence’s dad Larry. The report revealed that officers who has searched the house 9 times prior to 22 March were adamant there had been no hammer at the scene.

The report lists a catalogue of errors made by investigating officers, including: faking entries in an official diary of the murder inquiry; contaminating the crime scene; destroying evidence; losing a possible murder weapon.

The report concluded that the conduct of some officers was “allegedly criminal”.

The report criticised the inquiry head DS Jim Winning for not pursuing McCafferty as a suspect.

Not a single newspaper or broadcaster followed up the damning contents of the Mackay report.

Chief Insp Winning (in his late 40s), who led the initial investigation, was advised by both his GP and the force's own medical officer that he should retire immediately on health grounds. In doing so, Winning was exempt from prosecution for wrongdoing.

Two detective sergeants who worked on the original investigation were returned to uniformed duties.

In January 1999, Beattie launched an appeal against his conviction. Beattie alleged the judge allowed certain evidence that was inadmissible. He also claims Lord Dawson misdirected the jury in his summing-up at the end of the four-week trial. Beattie's solicitor said the grounds for appeal included "information that was brought to our attention after the trial".

Beattie’s appeal was rejected. Following the appeal, the Lord Justice General, Lord Cullen, who heard the appeal with Lord Hamilton and Lady Cosgrove, said they had reservations over Lord Dawson's treatment of the police evidence during Beattie’s trial. However, no action was taken.

Over 20 years later, Beattie still claims he is innocent of Lawrence’s murder.

I’ve read a bit about Beattie’s background and there is no question he is a depraved beast of the worst kind. He had previous for breaking into the homes of teenage boys and assaulting them. But something is rank rotten with the whole Lawrence Haggart case.

Given what is now known about McCafferty, there is clear cause for investigating what his involvement was, who else was involved, and which positions of power are implicated.'

Definitely not right.
 
The Lawrence Haggart case stinks

McCafferty being associated with the victim and calling the Haggert house on the day of the murder is very suspicious

Given what we know now Strathclyde Police looked as if they wer incompetent and ignored the clues

Our country and paedos associated to Bheast FC shows the police are very lax in joining dots and pursuing paedos who are linked to Bheast FC

A paedo ring was in operation and the police have allowed it to continue for decades

A UK wide independent investigation is required to out the truth

Let’s face it we know any SNP led inquiry will find no links to Bheast FC and we know multiple paedos were operating at Bheast FC yet the mhedia refuse to link the crimes

It’s time the UK Govt stepped in and demanded an inquiry with English based personnel and cut out out the Scottish judiciary as they cannot be trusted which is a scandal
 
On the Haggart case, I've just read Russell Findlays Sunday Mail report on the Mackay findings and there's something puzzling me.

We know that DS Winning interviewed Beattie within hours of the murder apparently and eliminated him from their enquiries. Now, I had always just assumed that he must have been on a list of local nonces living nearby that they would have checked out first.

But it states in the report; "It was not until January 1997 that Beattie's criminal record was accessed.' Beattie was quizzed by police and two officers searched his car and caravan but ignored a petrol container and a hammer."

So what exactly led them to Beattie and his vehicles in the first place? How did they get on to him so soon if officers didn't know about his criminal history? And if the other statement is true about them ignoring sexual motives for the crime, then that wouldn't have led to his door anyway. So, did someone see him or his car near the home at the time of the murder? Was he a frequent visitor to the home? Did he know the Haggarts? Or was he just a local weirdo?

Does anyone know?

Edit: And how close did he live to the Haggarts home? Never mind. Found this info myself in his appeal court verdict. Beattie lived in a caravan (travellers site?) about 4.5 miles from the Haggarts home. But still absolutely no information regarding what led police to him in the first place which is somewhat odd.

Edit 2: Beatties appeal lawyer; "There was also no direct evidence of any association between him and the deceased." So that answers most of my questions. No evidence of association with Haggart and his family. So that only leaves a witness identifying him near the scene or the police officers making him a suspect for reasons unknown (ie local weirdo known to them). Also, did he let them search his car and van? Or did they have a warrant? Either way that's weird. And they didn't just ask him a few questions, they took him into Falkirk Police station for questioning. Why?
 
Last edited:
The Lawrence Haggart case stinks

McCafferty being associated with the victim and calling the Haggert house on the day of the murder is very suspicious

Given what we know now Strathclyde Police looked as if they wer incompetent and ignored the clues

Our country and paedos associated to Bheast FC shows the police are very lax in joining dots and pursuing paedos who are linked to Bheast FC

A paedo ring was in operation and the police have allowed it to continue for decades

A UK wide independent investigation is required to out the truth

Let’s face it we know any SNP led inquiry will find no links to Bheast FC and we know multiple paedos were operating at Bheast FC yet the mhedia refuse to link the crimes

It’s time the UK Govt stepped in and demanded an inquiry with English based personnel and cut out out the Scottish judiciary as they cannot be trusted which is a scandal
Was it not Central Scotland police at that time?
 
Back
Top