Man who raped and murdered pensioner in own home is jailed for life

Jailed for life: Kevin Rooney will spend 21 years in prison.

A man who raped and murdered a pensioner in her own home has been jailed for life.

Kevin Rooney, 26, pled guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen to the murder and sexual assault of 74-year-old Rosina Sutherland at her home in Lonstone Park on October 29 last year.

On Friday he was sentenced to serve life at the High Court in Edinburgh and is set to spend a minimum of 21 years behind bars.

His crimes were described as among the "most appalling and distressing" ever dealt with.

The grandmother was raped then murdered in her home before money and other items where stolen from her home. Her body was discovered the next day by a family member.

Michelle MacLeod said:"Kevin Rooney has pled guilty to cowardly brutal and callous crimes.

"He entered the home of an elderly woman, subjecting her to a violent sexual assault before murdering her and by the efforts of police and prosecutors he has now been brought to justice.

"His crimes are among the most appalling and distressing that we have dealt with as prosecutors.

"I am grateful to the Police and Prosecution Team for the positive and just outcome of the case.

"I would also pay tribute to the victims family for the dignified way in which they have dealt with these appalling crimes."

Detective Superintendent Alan Crawford, from Lothian and Borders Police, said:

"This was a shocking and depraved crime, and my thoughts at this time are with Rosina Sutherland's family, who have been put through a harrowing ordeal as a result of Kevin Rooney's actions.

"I would like to pay tribute to them for the courage they have shown, and in particular for the assistance they provided to the officers investigating Rosina's murder.

"It is my sincere hope that they can draw some comfort from the conviction and sentencing of Kevin Rooney for this horrendous crime."

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