The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Death ‘difficult to comprehend’
The detective who led the investigation into Bailey Gwynne’s death has said he would still be alive today had his “senseless” teenage killer not brought a knife into school that day.
Detective Superintendent David McLaren said that although the circumstances which led to the 16-year-old’s death were relatively straightforward, it remained “difficult to comprehend” that he had died at the hands of a fellow pupil.
He said the force could still look at taking criminal action against Amazon, after the 16-year-old killer bought the knife for £40, now the trial is over.
During the trial, the jury heard the boy’s interview with police, where he admitted carrying weapons with him “every day” to school.
The court heard he bought the weapons online, and had them delivered to his mum’s garden shed.
He said it was easy to do it this way as he had an account with Amazon and the company did not check how old he was.
Det Supt McLaren said: “I think that’s something (exploring legal action against Amazon) that we follow up probably after the trial is finished.
“Whilst the circumstances around Bailey being killed are relatively uncomplicated, it is still difficult to comprehend that he died at school at the hands of a fellow school pupil.
“It is the senseless decision to take a knife into a school setting that has undoubtedly led to Bailey’s death.”
Det Supt McLaren said officers were faced with a unique set of challenges during the investigation, due to the traumatic impact October’s events had on the community.
And he paid tribute to the pupils and staff who had came to his aid.
He said: “Those teachers and pupils have shown incredible strength over the last week whilst giving evidence during the trial.
“Finally I’d like to pay tribute to Bailey’s family.
“Throughout their ordeal they have conducted themselves with the upmost dignity and are a credit to themselves as a family.”