Third man arrested in connection with murder of Ashgill's James Simpson

Dec 15 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A THIRD man has been arrested in connection with the murder of pensioner James Simpson.

The 76-year-old died after being mown down by his own Land Rover Discovery in Graham Place, Ashgill last month as he tried to prevent it from being stolen.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday night and was detained in police custody. He was expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Today (Thursday), a 25-year-old man will appear in court for a second time charged with murdering Mr Simpson.

Christopher Grenfell, of Mason Street, Larkhall, will appear on petition at Hamilton Sheriff Court accused of running over the OAP in his own Land Rover Discovery in Graham Place, Ashgill on Tuesday, November 29.

Grenfell faced a total of nine charges when he appeared on petition at the court last Thursday afternoon.

The charges also including breaking into Mr Simpson’s house, stealing his car keys and making off with his vehicle.

He was also charged with driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

And he faces three further charges of intending to rob two other properties in Ashgill and one in Larkhall on November 27 and 28.

Grenfell made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody pending further police enquiries.

A Crown Office spokesman said the Procurator Fiscal in Hamilton received a report concerning a 32-year-old-man in connection with Mr Simpson’s.

The man, who didn’t appear in court, has been freed pending further police enquiries.

Police launched a murder probe after Mr Simpson died after suffering multiple injuries to his head and body after being hit by his own car while trying to prevent it from being stolen.

Mr Simpson’s shattered wife, Minnie (72), a former teacher at Dalserf Primary, cradled her dying husband in her arms outside their detached home.

Emergency services rushed to the address and paramedics battled in vain to save Mr Simpson but, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

About 50 minutes later, the Land Rover Discovery was found dumped in Crossford.

Police sealed off both ends of Graham Place as forensic officers searched the area for clues.

A Command Unit van had been set up in Ashgillhead Road, across from its junction with from Graham Place.

Mrs Simpson and her son Jamie (39), who lives in Glasgow, appeared at press conference at Larkhall Police Office three days after Mr Simpson’s death.

Civil servant Jamie told how his shattered mum doesn’t want to live after her husband was killed.

She was too upset to speak when she sat beside Jamie as he read out a statement at the press conference.

Last Tuesday, police quizzed 58 motorists in Ashgill, Netherburn and Crossford – exactly a week on from Mr Simpson’s death.

The community of Ashgill were left devastated by Mr Simpson’s death and dozens of floral tributes were left outside his home following his death.