CRAIG HALEY SENTENCED FOR VICIOUS MURDER OF ELDERLY MOTHER
A man convicted of the brutal murder of his elderly mother has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison.Craig Haley was responsible for inflicting at least 55 injuries on Mary Haley during the assault at their home in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, in February 2020.
The 75-year-old victim was attacked through punches, kicks, being dragged, strangulation, and being hit with an ashtray.
Following the incident, Haley, aged 37, was filmed on CCTV purchasing alcohol and a packet of crisps.
The High Court in Glasgow was told that Ms.
Haley's body was discovered by another son the next day.
Lord Sandison described Haley's murder as a case of "ferocious and sustained violence" and handed down a life sentence.
In his remarks, the judge stated: "This was a vicious assault within your mother's residence.
Your actions are beyond the understanding of any decent person.
She was a loving mother who was loved in return.
You entered her home and took her life, which she had given you." It was reported that Haley had been aggressive in the weeks prior, demanding money from his mother and assaulting her, also damaging pictures at her home.
He was seen returning to the house on the afternoon of February 8, 2020.
Evidence showed that Mary Haley sustained 55 blunt force injuries, including neck fractures consistent with strangulation and a brain injury.
On the night of the murder, Haley was caught on camera at a nearby cash machine and petrol station purchasing alcohol and snacks.
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop questioned whether Haley cared about his mother’s survival, pointing out that he did not attempt to help her after the attack.
DNA analysis linked Haley to the crime scene, with his fingerprints on an ashtray used as a weapon.
Haley denied murder, claiming he was acting in self-defense.
It was revealed that he had a criminal record with 24 convictions, including assault.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Frank Travers described the attack as an "isolated and targeted" incident and expressed hope that the conviction would help the victim’s family find closure.
Violet Bradley, a neighbor, recounted hearing Haley shouting at his mother, describing sounds like an "evil laugh" and him "growling like a dog" during the attack.
She also heard Mary plead, "Can you get off me, I can't breathe," and witnessed Haley pulling her across the property.
Ms.
Bradley, frightened by the scene, left the area and later observed the house with the blinds drawn and a light on, which was unusual.
She noted Mary had sustained severe injuries, including 55 blunt force traumas, fractures, and a brain injury, evidenced by her cold fingers and blood on her face.
Overall, the evidence pointed to a brutal attack where Haley later bought alcohol and snacks immediately after the killing.
