KILMARNOCK MAN JAILED FOR LIFE OVER TEENAGE GIRLFRIEND'S BRUTAL MURDER
John Davis, aged 26 and originally from Kilmarnock, was found guilty of the brutal killing of his teenage girlfriend Hazel North in March.The assault on Hazel took place at Davis's flat, where he inflicted serious injuries, including extensive bruising, fractures to her jaw and eye socket, and 14 broken ribs.
Hazel was reported missing after her family grew worried, and Davis later guided police to her hidden burial site in Dean Park.
There, her disrobed body was discovered wrapped in a sheet and curtain.
Court proceedings revealed that she died from severe blunt force injuries to her head, neck, and body, with authorities estimating she may have lain wounded for up to 18 hours.
During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lady Rae sentenced Davis to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before parole eligibility.
She described his motives as completely without justification.
Hazel’s family, including her parents Rosina and Graeme, were present at court, with her brother Michael expressing relief that 'such an evil individual has been removed from society.' He added, 'Nothing will bring Hazel back.
We want people to remember her for her kindness and beautiful smile, not the tragedy that ended her life.' It was confirmed during the court process that Davis admitted to her murder.
The investigation disclosed that Hazel and Davis started dating in May 2012 after meeting in Stranraer.
It was also revealed that Davis, who had recently been released from prison for an assault, attempted to flee the country to join the French Foreign Legion but later surrendered at Kilmarnock police station, leading officers to her grave.
