THIS IS NOT THE JUSTICE WE WANTED
Dad’s shock as man accused of his daughter’s murder dies days before trial
THE heartbroken dad of murdered mum Jennifer Morgan says he did not want to see justice in this way after the shock death of the man set to stand trial for her killing.
Hugh Baird, 40, was found dead in his Barlinnie Prison cell just days before he was due to appear at the High Court in Glasgow accused of stabbing his partner to death.
Terry Morgan, 57, said he and his children had mixed feelings after the death, as they will never see justice for Jennifer.
THE devastated dad of murdered Jennifer Morgan has spoken of his shock at the death of the man who was due to stand trial for her killing.
Her ex-partner Hugh Baird was found dead in his Barlinnie Prison cell on Monday.
Police Scotland confirmed officers were called to the prison in Glasgow’s Riddrie just after 7am. The force added the death was not being treated as suspicious.
The 40-year-old was due to stand trial next week at the High Court in Glasgow.
Speaking to the Evening Times from his Gibraltar home last night, Terry Morgan, 57, said he and his other children, although glad at not having to go through a trial, have mixed feelings as they will not see justice done for Jennifer.
He said: “I am sad to have heard it [Baird’s death].
“I never wanted this outcome. Justice, yes, but not at the cost of someone’s life.”
Despite his tragic loss, Mr Morgan expressed sympathy for Baird’s family who are now experiencing the same pain he and his family are going through.
He said: “He also has children and parents who are now going through the same horrible grief that I have had to endure for the past six months and for the rest of my life.”
Baird was accused of repeatedly stabbing the popular young mum with a knife at her home in Alexander Place, Kirkintilloch on April 18, this year.
Loving mother Jennifer, originally from the city’s Maryhill, was found in a pool of blood by her 11-year-old daughter when she arrived home from school.
Neighbours at Alexander Place spotted the youngster sitting on a wall alone crying after the grim discovery.
The 33-year-old’s death left her family completely heartbroken, with dad Terry paying tribute to his “wee lassie”.
Mr Morgan added last night: “Me and my family, Amie, my wife, have lost a lovely beautiful person from our lives. Jennifer was always full of life and always found humor in everything, so she will be dearly missed form all our lives.”
Friends described “Jenny” as a “happy, bubbly and funny” lassie who could light up a room with her big smile.
A fundraising page was also set up for her funeral, which was held in May this year.
Prosecutors remanded Baird, who was 39 at the time, back in April for the murder. He entered a not guilty plea at Glasgow High Court during a preliminary hearing in August and a dedicated floating trial was scheduled to begin next week.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man in Glasgow on October 8, 2018.
“The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed the prisoner’s death. A spokesman added: “Hugh Baird, 40, a prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.
“Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.”