'Limbs-in-loch' killer William Beggs loses appeal against his conviction

THE "Limbs-in-the-loch" killer William Beggs failed today in a bid to have his conviction for murdering and dismembering a teenager overturned.

• William Beggs

Beggs, 46, was convicted in 2001 of murdering 18-year-old Barry Wallace in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. He was jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 20 years.

A full appeal against his conviction got under way last September, in which he argued that the trial which saw him convicted of the December 1999 killing was unfair and that he was a victim of a miscarriage of justice.

The grounds of appeal included claims that he was denied a fair hearing because of "prejudicial" publicity before and during the high-profile case.

But today three senior judges at the Appeal Court in Edinburgh ruled that his appeal against conviction should be refused.

Beggs was present in court today to hear the judges deliver their decision.

Lord Eassie, sitting with Lady Paton and Lord Philip, told him the court had "carefully considered" the arguments put forward on his behalf.

But he said: "The conclusion reached is that none of the grounds of appeal were well-founded. Accordingly, the appeal must be refused."

Beggs showed no emotion as he was led away to the cells.