Life in jail for beach terrorists who killed Perthshire couple

Jihadists struck in Tunisia tourist spot, taking the lives of 38 people

Scotland’s justice secretary said he hopes the jailing of seven jihadists behind terrorist strikes in Tunisia will bring some comfort to the family of a Perthshire couple who died in the attack.

Billy and Lisa Graham from Bankfoot were among the 38 people – mostly British tourists – who were shot dead at the Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel in June 2015. Jim and Ann McQuire from Cumbernauld were also killed during the rampage.

Prosecutors in Tunisia confirmed that four people have been given life sentences for the shooting, while other defendants were sentenced between six and 16 years. Three others were jailed for life for an earlier attack at Tunisia’s Bardo Museum, in which 21 foreign tourists and a security guard was killed.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said he hoped this weekend’s sentencing would help ease the suffering of affected families, adding: “Today is a day to remember all of the victims of this senseless and cowardly terrorist attack and my thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“I hope that the families of James and Ann McQuire, from Cumbernauld, and Billy and Lisa Graham, from Bankfoot, can take some comfort from the fact that these perpetrators have been brought to justice.”

An inquest heard that Mr and Mrs Graham had been celebrating their 31st anniversary – and Mrs Graham’s 50th birthday – when terrorists attacked the beach. The pair tried to escape through the hotel corridor with others.

The families of 22 victims – including relatives of the Graham’s – are suing holiday operator TUI. A lawyer for the families claimed TUI had not improved security despite a warning by Tunisia’s tourism minister.

Billy and Lisa Graham died in the terror attack in June 2015.