Man (33) in court in connection with Hillhouse murder

Mar 11 2010

A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering Kevin Black, whose body was found in a flat in Hamilton last week.

Paul Kiernan, of Hamilton, is accused of slaying the 34-year-old at a flat in Hillhouse’s Dunkeld Place on Monday, March 1.

Kiernan appeared on petition at Hamilton Sheriff Court last Friday.

The 33-year-old made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

He is expected to appear in court again tomorrow (Friday).

Detectives launched a murder probe after Black sustained fatal injuries during an incident in Dunkeld Place on March 1.

Officers rushed to the flat and found his body inside.

Police sealed off the flats and carried out house-to-house enquiries.

Forensic experts combed the area for clues and checked street drains for weapons.

A police support unit was set up in the street.

An officer stood guard outside the flats where Black was found.

The incident happened as dozens of young children played outside the Dunkeld Place flats.

About 50 people rushed into the street after an ambulance and up to 10 police officers turned up to deal with the incident.

In a statement issued last Friday, a police spokesman said : “A 33 year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death.

“A full report will be forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Black, of Townhill Road, attended St Ninian’s Primary School in Hillhouse and John Ogilvie High School, Burbank.

He was unemployed and had a girlfriend but no children.