Prosecutor defends original sentence

The man who led the prosecution of Robbie McIntosh for the murder of Anne Nicoll in 2001 has defended the custodial term he was given.

However, he said questions now had to be asked about why the Law killer was let out of prison.

McIntosh, 31, yesterday admitted at the High Court in Edinburgh attempting to murder Dundee dog walker Linda McDonald at Templeton Woods on August 7.

Prison bosses are set to review why McIntosh was allowed back on to the streets.

McIntosh’s trial was the first murder case Brian McConnachie QC worked on.

Mr McConnachie, who was advocate depute at the trial, said Lord Bonomy’s sentence of 15 years for McIntosh was the right one at the time, given the circumstances.

He said: “What has to be remembered is that McIntosh was only 15 at the time so Lord Bonomy was dealing with a child.

“Lord Bonomy had to have regard for McIntosh’s age. Because the conviction was for murder, the only sentence available was life and Lord Bonomy said he must serve at least 15 years.

“The judge would have no idea at that time how McIntosh would react to life in prison and what kind of man he would grow into.”

Mr McConnachie said there was no way for Lord Bonomy to know the killer would strike again.

He added: “McIntosh was obviously moved to Castle Huntly in preparation for day release and going back into the community.

“I don’t know if blame can be apportioned anywhere for his release but if I have any questions now, it’s why he was deemed ready to be released.

“From a personal point of view, when I heard that McIntosh had been arrested for this new crime, I have to say it came as no shock to me. Questions must be asked because he committed a further vicious crime so quickly after his release.”

Lord Bonomy said it would be inappropriate to comment on McIntosh’s latest conviction.

The Scottish Prison Service has confirmed that a critical incident review will be carried out.

The mother of McIntosh’s childhood friend Robert Soutar said it was horrifying to learn McIntosh had struck again.

Valerie Soutar said: “He should never have been allowed out. What he did back in 2001 was horrific and it was made worse by trying to lay the blame on my son.”

The brothers who disturbed McIntosh during his latest attack yesterday declined to comment on the case.

In court Peter and Charles Connor were praised for helping Mrs McDonald and alerting the emergency services.

Robbie McIntosh was given a custodial sentence as a 15-yearold after his conviction for a murder in 2001.