KILLER TEEN DIES IN JAIL AFTER 13 YEARS
Murderer who jumped on head of victim like it was a trampoline was on verge of release from nick
ONE of the youngest killers in Scottish history has died in prison – having spent half his life behind bars.
Thomas Shields was just 15 when he attacked a teenager in the street, thrashing him with a metal pole and jumping on his head “like a trampoline”.
The murderer was given a life sentence in 2004, with a recommendation he serve 18 years but it is understood this was later reduced to 14.
When he died on Monday, Shields was 30 and preparing for release from Castle Huntly open prison, near Dundee.
Announcing the death, the Scottish Prison Service said: “Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held.”
Victim Andrew Herd was chatting to two women at a bus stop in Glasgow’s Garthamlock in March 2003 when Shields ran towards him, wielding a metal pole.
At his trial, the schoolboy insisted he was too drunk to remember what followed.
But judge Lord Hardie, sitting at the High Court in Edinburgh, reminded him of what he had done.
Shields bludgeoned Andrew, 17, into unconsciousness with the weapon, despite cries from one of the women: “You’re going to kill him.” He walked away and threw down the pole.
Lord Hardie told him: “You returned and jumped up and down on his head with both feet. You were seen by a bus driver stamping on Mr Herd’s head about four times.
“The bus driver thought he saw a bundle of rubbish at the bus stop. He then saw the accused jumping up in the air – with both feet off the ground – and landing on what the driver then realised was someone’s head.
“Another witness spoke about the accused jumping up and down as though he was on a trampoline.”
The SPS would not speculate on the cause of Shields’ death.
They also announced yesterday that Ryan Forbes, 23, who was convicted last month but awaiting sentence, died at HMP Kilmarnock.