MAN IN COURT ON MURDER CHARGE
*T&C’s apply. Call charge applies to activate free viewing, 10p per min, max 5 mins Arrest made in connection with Shotts death
A Wishaw man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 24-year- old John Cairns.
Police were called to a report of a seriously injured man at a property in Shiel Gardens, Shotts, around 8.20am on Thursday, May 9.
Emergency services attended but Mr Cairns was pronounced dead at the scene.
A murder investigation was launched by police and officers appealed to the local community to come forward with any information they may have.
On Friday, May 17, Ian Mitchell, 39, from Wishaw, appeared in private at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with murder.
He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody. He was expected to appear again in court within eight days.
Meanwhile, John’s family said they were “shattered” by his death.
Writing on social media, one relative said: “Rest easy wee man. Your life was never easy from a young age and my heart breaks for you.
“So young with your full life still in front of you.
“Your dogs are in safe hands wee pal.”
Another relative said: “Our hearts are shattered”.
Detective Inspector Hazel Reid, from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, had said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and extensive enquiries are ongoing at this time. Officers are gathering CCTV footage from the surrounding area and door to door inquiries are also being carried out.
“I am keen to speak to anyone with any private CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry.
“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”