The High Court heard how Claire Kilduff made numerous harrowing internet searches, including 'deadliest stab wounds', moments before attacking Ann Coll.
The High Court heard how Claire Kilduff made numerous harrowing internet searches, including "deadliest stab wounds", moments before attacking Ann Coll. A killer brutally murdered her neighbour in a horrific hammer and knife attack.
Claire Kilduff bludgeoned and stabbed Ann Coll to death on December 21 or 22 2023, having also taken more than £300 from the popular grandmother's bank account. The 40-year-old later went on to lie in a 999 call that she had found the 61-year-old victim in a pool of blood, having gone to her flat inProsecutor Gavin Dewar told how the women had been both friends and neighbours.
They often walked their dogs together near where they stayed in Newfield Place, Rutherglen – including shortly before the murder. Kilduff had gone to Ann's that night to watch television. Mr Dewar said the killer was what was described as “financially embarrassed”, at the time owing cash to un-named others. The court heard that Kilduff – who knew how to access Ann's banking app – arranged that evening to transfer £320 from the victim into her own account.
Ann – who lived alone with her dog Lola - was on benefits at the time. Mr Dewar said the murder went on to take place sometime between around 7.30pm and 12.50am the next morning. Explaining the ferocity of the attack, he told the court: “Kilduff repeatedly struck Ann Coll with a hammer causing extensive blunt force trauma injuries to the head and neck.
“The blows caused extensive fractures to Ann Coll's skull. Kilduff repeatedly stabbed her with a knife. ”During a call, a breathless and crying Kilduff stated: “I have came up and found my neighbour in a pool of blood and she is not breathing. ”Mr Dewar's said the mum-of three had suffered at least 21 blows to the head.
This resulted in multiple fractures. Ann also seven stab wounds to the neck, back and side of the chest. Kilduff had been found sitting in the common close when police turned up after the murder.
However, it was not until February 2024 that she was arrested. Police had earlier launched an appeal for help in trying to solve the killing. During the probe, mum-of-one Kilduff's phone was examined. The court heard she made a number of Google searches on the night of the attack.
These included “deadliest stab wounds”, “stab wound to the neck”, “hammer to head injury” and “killed by single blow to head”. Police went on to find incriminating items having been alerted to an underfloor cavity area in Kilduff's flat in November 2024 – almost a year after the murder. The hammer and knife were discovered – the weapons had Kilduff's DNA on them as well as traces of Ann's blood.
Kilduff had been due to stand this week before admitting her guilt. She had previously lodged a special defence via her lawyers blaming another woman - a prosecution witness - for the killing. Mr Dewar told the court Ann was “a much-loved parent, grand-parent and friend” who is “greatly missed” particularly by her children. Gary Allan KC, defending, today said Kilduff “cannot explain” what she done, but had “expressed sorrow” for the killing.
Please follow us on Google to support us Crime High Court Police Scotland
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paddy McGuinness's Family Home Fails to Generate Interest Despite High Price TagPaddy McGuinness, a well-known TV presenter, put his family home on the market for £6.5million over a year ago, but it has failed to generate any interest from buyers. His ex-wife, Christine Martin, has accused him of overpricing the seven-bedroom mansion in Cheshire due to his 'oversized ego'.
Read more »
Tiger Woods Misses High School Graduation CeremonyTiger Woods was on the star-studded guest list for Kai Trump's high school graduation ceremony but skipped the 'intimate' meal, leaving early and arriving later than the rest of the group.
Read more »
HS2 failings blamed on high-speed focus and political pressureA new reviews confirms the high-speed rail line's 'original sins' include a technical design, changing political priorities and ballooning costs.
Read more »
Rutherglen 900 Group to Revive Parade Traditions for Locals, Schools, and CommunityRutherglen 900 group is planning a community event on June 13, featuring a parade and ‘Party in the Park’ in Overtoun Park. The initiative hopes to bring together local people, schools, and community organizations to celebrate the town’s 900-year-old history.
Read more »