CONNOR GIBSON AND STEPHEN CORRIGAN SHOCKING CRIMES IN HAMILTON

A tragic and disturbing case has led to the conviction of two men from Hamilton for crimes connected to the death of a young girl named Amber Niven. The story began when 16-year-old Amber was reported missing from the Hamilton area on Friday, 26 November, 2021. Her body was subsequently found near Cadzow Glen on Sunday, 28 November, 2021, marking a heartbreaking turn in an already devastating case.

On Tuesday, 25 July, 2023, the High Court in Glasgow delivered its verdict. Connor Gibson, aged 20, was found guilty of multiple serious charges, including murder, sexual assault, and attempting to obstruct justice. His co-defendant, Stephen Corrigan, aged 45, was also convicted, specifically of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for Monday, 4 September, 2023.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, who oversees Major Crime investigations, expressed his sentiments regarding the case. He acknowledged the immense pain experienced by Amber’s family and friends, stating, "It's hard to imagine how difficult this has been for Amber’s family and friends and our thoughts very much remain with them. I hope this conviction brings them some degree of comfort." He further condemned the actions of Gibson and Corrigan, describing them as "leaving them beneath contempt."

The investigation was described as challenging and complex, involving a multidisciplinary team of specialist officers from Police Scotland working diligently alongside forensic experts. The detective chief remarked on the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved, and extended his gratitude to the public for their assistance, which played a crucial role in securing justice.

The court proceedings culminated in a detailed sentencing at the High Court in Livingston. Lord Mulholland presided over the case and imposed severe penalties consistent with the gravity of the crimes. Connor Gibson received a life sentence with a minimum of 22 years to be served before he is eligible to apply for parole. This means he will be incarcerated until at least 2043, unless deemed no longer a risk to society. The judge emphasized that parole decisions rest solely with the parole board, based on assessments of Gibson’s potential threat to public safety.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Mulholland described the horrific nature of the crimes Gibson committed against his sister, Amber. He noted that Amber, who had experienced a difficult upbringing—including being fostered and residing in a children’s home, as well as enduring a rape—turned to her brother for support. Tragically, she had been looking forward to meeting him on the night she was murdered. The judge recounted the chilling details of the last moments: Gibson walked with Amber to Cadzow Glen, where he assaulted her physically—beating her to the head, resulting in a broken nose—and engaged in sexual assault with the clear intent to rape. The assault ended with Gibson manually strangling Amber, ultimately causing her death.

Lord Mulholland condemned Gibson’s actions as "truly evil" and detailed how the defendant attempted to cover his tracks afterward. His lies to staff at the children’s homes, false statements to police, and efforts to dispose of bloodstained clothing were all exposed through CCTV footage and forensic science. The scientific evidence revealed DNA from Gibson across multiple locations on Amber’s body, indicating numerous acts of sexual assault and physical contact, all performed with malicious intent.

The judge reflected on Gibson’s age, his challenging background, and the apparent lack of prior criminal behavior, but emphasized that the severity of his crimes warranted a life sentence. A punishment part of 22 years was imposed, starting from December 3, 2021, the date he was first remanded into custody.

Turning to Corrigan, Lord Mulholland expressed disapproval of his conduct. Corrigan was found to have engaged in sexual acts on Amber’s unconscious or possibly dead body, touching her inappropriately on multiple areas, including her breasts, thighs, and pubic region. Instead of assisting or calling emergency services, Corrigan moved Amber’s body and clothing, concealing her under bushes and branches, thereby delaying discovery and hindering the investigation.

Forensic evidence revealed DNA from Corrigan in numerous places on Amber’s body, in quantities greater than Amber’s own, confirming his physical contact and sexual assault. His delaying actions inhibited the police’s efforts to gather evidence promptly and impeded justice. In light of these findings, Corrigan was sentenced to a total of nine years’ imprisonment. As he had been on remand for over a year before sentencing, starting from July 12, 2022, the sentence accounts for the time already served.

Both sentences serve as stark reminders of the brutality and contemptible nature of the crimes committed. The court’s decisions reflect the profound breach of trust and the devastating impact on Amber’s family and the community of Hamilton.