A DAY WE NEVER THOUGHT WE'D SEE

Infatuated schoolgirl was prey to boyfriend who boasted of conquests

- MARK MCGIVERN

>> Trio hurled bricks, punched and kicked girl who ended up in river

THE heartbroken mum of murdered Caroline Glachan outside wept yesterday court after her daughter's three killers were finally brought to justice 27 years after her death.

Caroline's older boyfriend, Robert O'Brien, his other girlfriend, Donna Marie Brand, and their accomplice, Andrew Kelly, were found guilty of killing the teenager in 1996.

The 14-year-old sustained at least 10 blows to the head and extensive skull fractures having been punched, kicked and had bricks thrown at her.

Her body was later found in Dunbartonshire's River Leven, where she was dumped after being beaten unconscious.

It sparked one of Scotland's longest-running murder investigations.

Outside Glasgow High Court her mum, Margaret McKeich, told of her relief that they had seen justice after all these years.

Standing alongside Caroline's dad Willie, tearful Margaret said: "This is a day we never thought we would see.

"I cannot sum up how I am feeling. It will not bring her back, but at least we know who is responsible and will be serving time for this.

"Caroline lost her life while they have had their Christmases and birthdays. My Caroline was in the ground. This is a great day."

Caroline was knocked unconscious and left to drown in the river. Her body was discovered later that day face down in the water.

The murder probe remained unsolved despite several highprofile appeals.