Two men convicted following death of man in Pollok in 2021

Detectives have welcomed the conviction of two men in connection with the death of a 31-year-old man in the Pollok area of Glasgow in August 2021.

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Monday 24 April, Jude McPhie, aged 42, admitted killing William Leiper and Christopher O’Reilly, aged 27, admitted attempting to defeat the end of justice.

The body of Mr Leiper was found around 7.35am on Wednesday, 4 August, 2021, in Househill Park near to Hartstone Road.

Detective Inspector Suzanne McNulty, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Leiper’s family at what is a very difficult time for them. Nothing can change what happened but I hope this conviction brings a degree of closure for relatives and friends.

“This was a particularly brutal attack and those responsible tried to cover up what they had done by burning Mr Leiper’s body. It was left in the park opposite a children’s play area and in view of nearby homes.

“These men will now face the consequences of their actions.

“Incidents like this are rare and it took a considerable amount of investigation work to bring them to court. I would like to thank members of the public who assisted officers with their enquiries.”