Skip Navigation, Sitemap

Cumnock Chronicle

Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 3:52pm

Smith: Benchmark for Atrocity

Comments (3) | Print | Email

Double killer Thomas Bennie Smith set 'a benchmark for atrocity' when he murdered Diane and Holly Fallon.

In a strongly-worded statement, Lord Turnbull commented: "Even in these courts, where we hear and see the worst of humanity and where acts of depravity and atrocity are regularly described, your conduct stands out as exceptional."

The judge went on: "In perpetrating these crimes you have set a benchmark for atrocity below which it is difficult to imagine any other human being sinking."

Earlier in his statement, Lord Turnbull reflected society's horror at the brutality of his crimes when he told Smith: "Ordinary language cannot adequately describe the level of violence which you engaged in....

"What you did to each of your victims is to my mind more properly described as sadistic torture."

Smith was sentenced to 32 years for the brutal murders of the Cronberry mother and daughter in March 2009.

FOR MORE ON THIS HORRIFIC CASE, SEE THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 10 EDITION.

Register for email alerts

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

  • Derek McClue
    Unregistered User
    Feb 5 10 22:17
    Comment: 8469

    This scumbag should be hanged!
    Report this comment

  • Gavin
    Unregistered User
    Feb 10 10 14:17
    Comment: 8573

    Just bring the piece of s**t back to cumnock we'll sort him out.
    Report this comment

  • Lauren
    Unregistered User
    Feb 14 10 20:49
    Comment: 8702

    He should die in prison
    Report this comment

Post a comment

Registered users log in here

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.


Enter the text as shown.

I want to...

Photosales Search

Looking for a picture from the newspaper?
Visit our photosales site and search now.

News from around Ayrshire