Man to go on trial accused of murdering neighbour in Galston

William Nimmo's offer to plead guilty to the culpable homicide of Robert Stuart Clelland was rejected at the High Court in Glasgow

Author: Paul KellyPublished 21st Nov 2019
Last updated 21st Nov 2019

A 33-year-old has admitted killing his neighbour by punching him outside his flat in Galston.

At the High Court in Glasgow William Nimmo, who is accused of murder, offered to plead guilty to the lesser charge of the culpable homicide of 56-year-old delivery driver Robert Stuart Clelland, who was known as Stuart, on July 23 at 8 Wallace Street.

Prosecutor Graeme Jessop said: “The plea is not accepted.”

Defence QC Tony Graham said: “The panel admits he assaulted the deceased and is responsible for his death.”

Nimmo, who’s from Galston, will now go on trial for the murder of Mr Clelland. The trial is expected to last five days.

He is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by dragging Mr Clelland's body from the courtyard into the hallway of his home at flat 8A Wallace Street, taking his van keys and – while intoxicated – driving his van to a car park at Bentinck Square, Galston.

He denies the charges.

Judge Lady Stacey said: “I am fixing a trial for April 3, next year.”

Mr Clelland was found in his flat at around 6.20am on Wednesday, July 24.

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