Norman Duncan was convicted of murdering Margaret Robertson at her home onon 25 September, 2019.
On Wednesday he has sentenced life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Gary Winter said: “Margaret suffered a horrendous and sustained attack in her own flat – a place where she should have been safe.
“This was a particularly challenging investigation and the successful outcome at court was only achieved as a result of the professionalism and collaborative working of a number of agencies involved. In particular, I would like to thank local officers and officers from across Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams, scene examiners and forensic staff from across the Scottish Police Authority, as well as staff at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“I would also like to thank the members of the local community who provided vital information in connection with our investigation at the time. As a result of the support we received from the public, as well as extensive forensic and CCTV work, we have now ensured that this extremely violent individual will be held to account for his actions that day.”
Ms Robertson’s children, Michelle and Mark, issued the following statement and have asked for privacy at this time.
“As a family we have waited over two and a half years for justice which has put a massive strain on our own lives and relationships. We would like to thank all those who have supported us during this period, in particular the bereavement counsellors who helped many of the family. We have sat through weeks of harrowing, devastating evidence which will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Our Mum didn’t deserve to die that day and especially in the horrendous, brutal way it happened. We still have unanswered questions as to why it happened at all. This man has taken so much from us and impacted on our lives in many ways.
“Margaret, or Meg as she was to us, was a much loved mum, daughter, grandma and friend to many. It is hard to comprehend our mum has been taken from us and she is in our thoughts every day and we hope she can finally rest in peace.
“We would ask for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
