Murderer dies in prison

A MAN who beat his friend to death in a row over drugs has been killed in prison.

Michael Mowat, 46, was pronounced dead in hospital after being stabbed in the neck at Glenochil prison, near Stirling.

He had been serving a life sentence for the murder of Bruce Connolly, 26, who died at the hands of Mowat in 1999.

Mr Connolly was killed in his flat in Kirkcaldy with at least 10 blows with a hammer by heroin addict Mowat, who was attempting to steal drugs.

His body was discovered lying on a mattress by his girlfriend. It is thought he had been dead for at least two days.

Details of the killing were so horrific that the trial had to be halted after a juror took ill while hearing medical evidence.

Police Scotland said a 33-year-old man had been arrested in connection with Mowat’s death.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman confirmed there had been “an incident” at Glenochil prison but did not provide further details.

Residents living at Byron Crescent have reported seeing forensics officers and police at the property for several days.

It is understood that the police presence relates to an incident in which a man allegedly cut off a “vulnerable” woman’s right hand with a knife.

Stephen Brisbane, of no fixed abode, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on February 15.

He has been charged with severing Sandra McGowan’s hand.

It is understood that the property at the centre at the of the investigation is Brisbane’s mother’s.

Edward Henderson, who lives on the street, said that police had been stationed on the street since last Monday morning at around 8am.

He said: “They have been outside the whole time.

“The forensics have been up but they said they’re not allowed to say anything because it is an ongoing investigation.

“It must be very, very serious. I came out in the morning and police were stationed at the door.

“I haven’t seen anyone from the flat come back or go out but police have been there day and night since last Monday.

“There was even been police from Perth here doing their stint.

“CID were up at my house and they asked me if I had heard or seen anything.”

John Simpson, 49, who lives in the street said: “Police have been here for several days.

“It looks like a serious incident has taken place and forensics have been called.

“My neighbour said that when

POLICE have swooped on a flat as part of a probe into a incident in which a woman’s hand was severed.