Savage killer given leave to study at Capital university

Published on Friday 13 February 2009 08:58

A MAN who killed a father by stabbing him more than 100 times is being given regular leave from prison to study at Napier University, it was reported today.

Patrick Nicol, 27, attacked George Reid, 40, in Stirling in 1999 in what the judge at the time described as a "barbaric, uncontrolled and irrational attack".

But now, Nicol, who was sentenced to 12 years at Shotts prison, is studying economics at the Capital's Craiglockhart campus, being taken there regularly by Reliance security guards.

It is understood that his fellow students had no idea about his past until very recently.

A spokesman for Napier University said: "Managing the health and safety of all our students and staff is a key responsibility and we have worked with the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that all relevant risk assessments are carried out and all appropriate monitoring procedures are in place."

A prison service spokesman insisted training played an important part in reducing reoffending.