KILLER KILLED IN JAIL
Probe after murderer stabbed in neck
A MURDERER has been killed behind bars at one of Scotland’s toughest jails.
Convicted killer Michael Mowat, 46, was stabbed in the neck at Glenochil prison and was later pronounced dead in hospital.
It is understood a fellow inmate – Steven McIvor – was involved in the incident that happened on Saturday afternoon.
Mowat was jailed for life in 2001 after battering his friend Bruce Connolly, 26, to death to steal drugs from a flat in Kirkcaldy.
Doctors said Connolly’s head had been beaten to a pulp by at least 10 blows from a hammer or other blunt instrument in the 1999 killing.
A source said: “Michael Mowat has been killed after being stabbed in the neck in Glenochil’s Harviestoun 1 unit. He was officially pronounced dead at Forth Valley Hospital.
“The weapon used has not yet been found and those responsible have not been ascertained.”
Heroin addict Mowat had previously served a five-year sentence for armed robbery before attacking Connolly.
The bludgeoning was so vicious the trial had to be halted at one stage when a juror fell ill during medical evidence. The court heard how Connolly had been found lying on a mattress in his flat by former girlfriend Michelle Pitcairn, 23. He had been dead for at least two days.
In 2001, Mowat launched one of the most bizarre appeals in Scottish legal history by complaining his lawyer was the only one not allowed to wear a wig in court for his murder trial.
Solicitors said his lawyer did not carry as much gravitas as the prosecution advocate, who was wearing a traditional legal hairpiece.
They argued this meant defence was not taken as seriously by the jury as the prosecution, leading to his conviction.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “We can confirm there has been an incident at Glenochil but cannot say any more at this time.”
Last night a police spokesman said: “Police Scotland are investigating following the death of a 46-year-old prisoner at Glenochil Prison, in Alloa.
“The incident happened at 12.20pm on Saturday. The man was taken to Forth Valley Hospital where he later died.
“Inquiries are ongoing. Officers are treating his death as suspicious.”