Life term for killer husband
Stabbed Leighanne while their children slept
A man who stabbed his wife to death as their children slept upstairs has been sentenced to life in prison.
Erhan Havaleog lu murdered Leighanne Cameron at her home in Calder House Road, Mid Calder, in October 2015.
Last month he was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Paisley and on Tuesday was sentenced to life Stabbed Mum Leighanne with a minimum of 20 years. Judge Johanna Johnston QC told Turkish-born Havaleoglu that he was guilty of a “cruel, merciless and extremely violent murder”, which he continues to deny.
Police officers who had investigated the murder of the mum-of-two welcomed the sentence, saying that it might bring “some comfort” to her family.
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife while their children slept upstairs.
Erhan Havaleoglu stabbed Leighanne Cameron to death at her home in Calder House Road, Mid Calder, on October 28, 2015.
The 29-year-old mum-of-two, who had separated from Havaleoglu some months before, suffered injuries to her neck, stomach and back.
She was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
Following a two-week trial last month at Paisley High Court, 36-year-old Havaleoglu was found guilty of Leighanne’s murder.
He was sentenced on Tuesday at Glasgow High Court to a minimum of 20 years in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole.
Judge Johanna Johnston QC told Turkishborn Havaleoglu that he was guilty of a “cruel, merciless and extremely violent murder”, adding Leighanne’s injuries had been “catastrophic”.
She told Havaleoglu: “Leighanne Cameron was much loved and had everything to live for.”
Havaleoglu attacked the mum shortly after she returned from work in October 2015.
The killer had been spending the day looking after their children before he pounced.
He then fled to Edinburgh where it is thought en-route he ditched the murder weapon and the clothes he had been wearing.
Tragic Leighanne’s body was discovered by her lover Philip Kilkenny.
Mr Kilkenny called police and revealed Havaleoglu had told Leighanne “she’d never get to love another man”.
Havaleoglu – a former soldier – was later held for the murder. However, at a trial, he denied the killing instead pinning the blame on Mr Kilkenny.
The court heard on Tuesday the “reality” of Leighanne’s new relationship had come to “the full attention” of Havaleoglu shortly before the murder.
Ian Duguid, defending, said this came from a chat the killer had with one of his young children.
The QC said this discovery was suggested to be “the catalyst” for the fatal attack.
Mr Duguid: “This is an event that pushed him beyond what his previous behaviour had been.”
Havaleoglu had also been accused of assaulting three other women, but he was cleared of those charges at the trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Leighanne’s death has been absolutely devastating for her family and those close to her.
“Her five- year- old daughter and two- year- old son have been robbed of their loving mum in the most horrific of circumstances.
“Havaleoglu has callously refused to admit responsibility for Leighanne’s murder ever since, despite extensive evidence against him.
“Unfortunately, nothing can undo his actions that day.
“But, hopefully, the outcome at court will provide some form of comfort and closure to Leighanne’s family and friends.”
Hopefully the outcome will provide closure DCI Ray Brown