Grieving son of murdered James Simpson makes emotional plea to help find his dad’s killer

Dec 8 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE grieving son of murdered James Simpson has urged the public to help find his dad’s killer.

Civil servant Jamie Simpson told how his shattered mother doesn’t want to live after her husband was mown down and left to die on the road by a sick yob fleeing in his black Landrover Discovery.

The 72-year-old former Dalserf Primary teacher cradled her dying husband in her arms outside their home in Graham Place, Ashgill, last Tuesday about 8.10pm.

She was too upset to speak when she sat beside Jamie at a press conference at Larkhall police office on Friday afternoon.

Jamie said: “One day ago, I saw my dad lying on a cold table with blood all over his face.

“Now I have to watch my mum suffer from flashbacks of what she witnessed, breaking into uncontrollable shaking fits and listen every day as she tells me she doesn’t want to live anymore.

“Those individuals thought it was their right to break into my parents’ home, take their car keys and steal their car.

“When my father ran to defend his property these individuals felt it was their right to leave my dad dying on the kerbside.

“Three miles later they abandoned the car they took his life for, leaving my dad dead and a family devastated.

“Please, if there is any information you have that would help this investigation, no matter how small, please come forward.”

Police launched a murder probe after Mr Simpson was run over by his own 57-plate black Land Rover after it had been stolen by thieves.

The 76-year-old was defending his property when he was murdered. About 50 minutes later, the car was found abandoned about three miles away in the village of Crossford

Jamie told the press conference that his mum and dad – who walked 10 miles every day – were deeply content with their life that they had worked hard to build.

He said that they were living life to the maximum and even though they were both in their 70s, they were making plans to improve their home.

“Both my parents neither took nor stole anything,” Jamie added.

“All they wanted was to work hard, be happy themselves and be happy with all those around them.

“Ask anyone what my dad was like and they’d tell you he would smile and joke with everyone and loved life.”

Murder cops have vowed to catch Mr Simpson’s killer and bring them to justice.

They have issued a description of a the ‘hit and run’ driver.

He is described as white,male in his 30s with short dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle, registration S657 GVN, between Ashgill and Crossford.

They believe the killer would have been helped to escape after the car was dumped in Crossford.

Police are adamant that someone locally knows the killer and have urged them to look at their conscience and contact police immediately.

Detective Superintendent Robbie Allan said: “This incident escalated from a robbery into a horrific murder.

“I believe those involved will have confided in someone.

“I believe this was done in haste and I suspect those involved had assistance.

“If you are that person, consider your conscience and please come forward.”

Police are refusing to rule out that the vehicle was stolen to order.

DS Allan said that the car was parked in Mr Simpson’s driveway and would be visible to anyone passing along the main road through the Asghill.

DS Allan added: “This will not be solved by rumour, speculation or supposition.

“We require facts and evidence to bring those responsible to justice.”