By Bill Heaney

The evidence in the trial of three people accused of murdering 14-year-old Caroline Glachan on the banks of the River Leven 27 years ago has been completed.

Robert O’Brien, 45, Andrew Kelly and Donna Marie Brand – both 44 – are charged with killing Caroline Glachan on August 25, 1996, at the towpath beside River Leven near the Black Bridge between Dillichip and Renton.

The prosecution led by Alex Prentice KC allege that the three accused arranged to meet the schoolgirl at a bridge near the towpath beside the river Leven between Renton and Bonhill.

It is then alleged they assaulted her, shouted and swore at the teenager and repeatedly punched and kicked her on the head and body.

The accused are then alleged to have thrown bricks at Caroline, causing blunt force trauma to her head and body, causing her to fall into, or pushing her, into the river.

The final witnesses in the two-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow were heard as O’Brien’s counsel Ian Duguid KC completed his case for the defence.

Both Kelly’s counsel Ronnie Renucci KC and Thomas Ross KC, defending Brand, stated they would not be leading any evidence for either of their clients.

Lord Braid told the jury: “The evidence is now complete.   The next stage will be speeches from the Crown and each of the defence lawyers.”

The judge said he anticipated the jury may be sent out to start considering their verdict on Tuesday.

O’Brien, Kelly and Brand all deny murdering Caroline, of Bonhill in Vale of Leven, and each lodged a special defence of alibi.

Top of page picture: The now demolished Black Bridge – only the pillars remain at the spot – between Renton and Bonhill. Picture by Bill Heaney