Man who killed mother had £10,000 debts

Published on Thursday 23 July 2009 22:02

A GAMBLING addict who murdered his mother before killing himself had debts of more than £10,000, it has emerged.

Police believe Brian Rockall, 44, attacked his 80-year-old mother, Valerie, in their Edinburgh home after she discovered how much of her money he had been using to fund his habit.

Post-mortem examination results have so far proved inconclusive, although it is understood that Mrs Rockall was beaten about the head. The bodies of the pair were discovered by police who burst into the flat in Dean Path on Monday night.

Yesterday, Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that the two had not been seen since 6 July – two weeks before their bodies were found.

They had been seen by their landlord, Neil Harper, who is understood to have gone to their flat after several months rent had gone unpaid.

Detectives yesterday began examining Mr Rockall's computer to find out the extent of his online gambling history. The checks would also try to establish whether he sent messages offering clues to why he took his own life after killing his mother.

Police yesterday released the identities of the pair after tracking down next of kin.

A spokesman appealed to the local community for help in piecing together their last movements.

Officers are appealing for anyone who might have seen them recently to come forward.

The spokesman said: "The last sighting we have of Mrs Rockall and her son was on 6 July, and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen them or had any contact with them after that date.

"We have been carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the local community and have spoken to a number of people.

"However, we would like to speak to anyone who has any information about them – perhaps from any local shops or outlets they frequented, or clubs and associations of which they were members."