Evidence completed in trial of three accused of murdering schoolgirl

The evidence in the trial of three people accused of murdering a schoolgirl almost 30 years ago has been completed.

Robert O’Brien, 45, Andrew Kelly and Donna Marie Brand – both 44 – are charged with killing Caroline Glachan on August 25, 1996, at the River Leven in West Dunbartonshire.

Prosecutors allege the trio arranged to meet the schoolgirl at a bridge near the towpath beside the river Leven between Renton and Bonhill.

It is then alleged they assaulted her, shouted and swore at the teenager and repeatedly punched and kicked her on the head and body.

The accused are then alleged to have thrown bricks or “similar instruments” at her, causing blunt force trauma to her head and body, causing her to fall, or pushing her, into the river.

The final witnesses in the two-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow were heard as O’Brien’s advocate Ian Duguid KC completed his defence case.

Both Kelly’s lawyer Ronnie Renucci KC and Thomas Ross KC, defending Brand, stated they would not be leading any evidence for either.

Lord Braid went on to tell jurors: “The evidence is now complete.

“The next stage will be speeches from the Crown and each of the defence lawyers.”

The judge said he anticipated the jury may be sent out to start considering their verdicts on Tuesday.

O’Brien, Kelly and Brand all deny murdering Caroline, of Bonhill, also West Dunbartonshire, and each lodged a special defence of alibi.