Family of deceased scream as sheriff announces verdict

Friends and family of the deceased started screaming at the verdict of the jury and police had to remove several people from court.

As he was being led from the dock, Stratton turned to friends and family who were still sitting in the court and said: “Are you happy now?”

The judge told jurors after public benches cleared following the emotional outbursts: “You can understand feelings run high in this case.

“Two people died in terrible circumstances.”

However, speaking after the case, one relative said they disapproved of the sentence.

Detective Inspector Brian Geddes of the major investigation team said: “The terrible actions of Robert Stratton resulted in the deaths of Julie McCash and David Sorrie.

“I’d like to thank all of those persons, particularly those in the Mid Craigie community, who helped our investigation into this needless and tragic loss of both Julie and David.”

Procurator fiscal Nicky Patrick said: “This is a tragic case involving two needless deaths due to the combination of alcohol and knives.

“Robert Stratton chose to take up a knife with the purpose of doing serious harm.

“Crimes of this nature are thankfully rare and some comfort can hopefully be taken from the life sentence handed to Stratton today.”