Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Teen in court just days before he died
Youngster faced knife charges after attack
The Coatbridge youngster found dead at a Glasgow train station was facing knife charges after a teenage boy was “slashed” in an “unprovoked attack”.
Justin Mclaughlin, 14, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court on October 7 – just nine days before he was fatally injured during an incident at High Street station.
The St Ambrose High School pupil was charged with an offence of “serious or violent nature” before being released on bail, legal documents state.
It is understood that the charges were connected to the hospitalisation of a 17-year-old youth who was allegedly knifed at a reservoir near Coatbridge.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was rushed to hospital for treatment of his serious injuries before later being released.
Officers previously launched a public appeal for information and said that a “number of youths” were present at the beauty spot between Townhead and Glenboig on August 28.
The legal document, seen by the Advertiser’s sister paper the Daily Record, reads: “Justin Mclaughlin appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court on October 7, 2021.
“The accused was granted bail... In addition to the standard bail conditions, the court told the accused that he must not approach or contact (the complainer) in anyway. The procurator fiscal will now consider the evidence in more detail.”
A 16-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week charged with murdering Justin.
He is also charged with assault to severe injury, threatening behaviour and having a bladed item in a public place.
The youth made no plea and was remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, police have confirmed that a separate attack on a teenager aboard a Glasgow train the day before Justin’s death is not connected to the incident.
A 13-year-old was attacked on a service in Glasgow, with three other teenagers arrested and charged.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are aware of social media posts linking Justin’s death with a serious assault on a 13-year-old that took place on a train in Glasgow on Friday, October 15.
“At this time, there is nothing to suggest that these two incidents are linked in any way.
“We fully understand that the public are concerned about these incidents, however, speculation and rumours on social media are extremely unhelpful.
“Along with the British Transport Police, we are providing extra patrols both on trains and in the east end of Glasgow to provide public reassurance.
“If anyone has any concerns, we would urge them to speak to officers.”