Armed police guard court

Officers carrying sub-machine guns and wearing bulletproof vests were placed at the corner of St Giles’ Street and stopped tourists and commuters from walking next to the court building.

Paul Christie, 29, and Adam Christie, 27, earlier admitted murdering Brian Faulds in Glasgow last year. They also admitted – along with a third brother, Bryan Christie – attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Three police vehicles then accompanied the van which took the trio to prison.

Police take prisoners to jail from court when it is thought that a credible attempt could be made on their lives.