QUESTIONS THE CROWN
evidence that Shaun, a close friend, was kicked in the head by the teenager as he lay on the ground.
But the charge of murder was reduced to culpable homicide, reflecting a single punch.
After the meeting last night, Kevin said it had not been as productive as he’d hoped but the Crown had promised to respond to his questions as soon as they could.
He said: “None of them could tell me what part of the sentence related to Shaun’s death. The killer was also guilty of a serious assault and an assault but nobody could break it down.
“I asked them how they could not give the appeal if they didn’t know the length of sentence relating to the culpable homicide.
“They said they couldn’t answer all my questions as they didn’t have all the files to hand and have assured me they will answer them in due course. I’ve told them I will not stop seeking answers.
“It’s too late for Shaun and my family but I don’t want any other family put through this hell.”
Kevin added: “I respected the way Alex Prentice dealt with me as much as I disagreed with some of his legal points.
“Of all the people I’ve had to deal with at the Crown Office, he’s been the most straightforward and respectful with me so far.” dad Kevin. He said yesterday: “I’m very angry a detailed explanation has been sent to all and sundry before the family have been told the reasons.
“I feel the family should have received this communication from James Wolffe before politicians.”
In the letter, Wolffe said the killer, because of his age, had been treated as a child and had no convictions, despite admitting three assaults on the night Shaun died.
He said the original charge of murder had been on the basis of the teenager having kicked Shaun repeatedly in the head.
But in the light of the verdict of culpable homicide, the sentence had to be assessed on the basis that Shaun’s death was caused by a single punch which caused him to fall and strike his head.