Man found guilty of double murder in Coatbridge

A 47-year-old man has been convicted in connection with the death of his partner and his brother at separate addresses in Coatbridge.

Peter Duffy was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 16 Feburary, 2024.

He will be sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on Friday, 15 March, 2024.

The body of his brother, John Paul Duffy aged 51, was found at a flat in Coates Street in Coatbridge on Sunday, 10 April, 2022, following a concern for person call to police.

On Tuesday, 12 April, 2022, as part of the enquiry into the death, the body of 26-year-old Emma Baillie was found in nearby Calder Street.

Detective Inspector Campbell Jackson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the families and friends of John Paul Duffy and Emma Baillie and I hope that the court result brings them some kind of comfort.

“These were horrendous crimes and involved significant levels of violence in what amounted to sustained and horrific attacks. Attempts were made to conceal both bodies. 

“In addition, Duffy used bank and debit cards owned by both the deceased and pretended to be his brother who was at that time already dead.

“I would like to thank all officers involved and members of the public who assisted with our investigation.

“Duffy took two lives, showing complete disregard for both families, and will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Violence like this has no place in our society and Police Scotland continues to work with partners to bring those responsible for such crime to justice.”