RAB ROBERT THOMSON'S HORRIFIC MURDER IN BUCKHAVEN SHOCKS FIFE COMMUNITY

In a devastating and tragic incident that has left the community of Buckhaven in shock, Robert Thomson, aged 50, has confessed to the brutal murder of his two children within the confines of their family home. The horrifying events unfolded on the 3rd of May, when Thomson carried out a violent attack that resulted in the deaths of Michelle, aged 25, and Ryan, aged 7, in what authorities are describing as an act of unimaginable violence.

According to court proceedings held in Edinburgh, the mother of the children, June Thomson, was the one who discovered her blood-soaked children’s lifeless bodies. The scene was described as one of utter horror, with Michelle and Ryan found in their respective bedrooms, both victims of multiple stab wounds. The court heard that Robert Thomson had inflicted a total of 26 stab wounds on his children before attempting to take his own life.

The tragic sequence of events began earlier that day when Thomson sent another son, Ross, aged 20, to a local supermarket, claiming he had forgotten some items. Upon Ross’s return, just over an hour later, Thomson told him that Ryan and Michelle had already left the house. Unbeknownst to Ross, the children were lying dead in their bedrooms. Later that evening, June Thomson arrived home around 7:00 PM and entered Michelle’s room, where she was met with the horrifying sight of blood on the floor and her daughter lying motionless. She then discovered her husband lying in bed with a large knife on the bedside table.

Witnesses and court reports reveal that Thomson’s mental state was deteriorating in the weeks leading up to the murders. He had been showing signs of emotional distress since his wife’s departure in March, describing himself as “down” and withdrawn. He had also confided in his brother about suicidal thoughts. The court heard that Thomson had been under significant stress due to ongoing divorce proceedings with June, who was seeking a financial settlement of £50,000 and a weekly maintenance of £250. The divorce hearing had taken place just a day before the tragic killings.

Thomson’s relationship with his children and his mental health appeared to be strained, with reports indicating that he was worried about losing custody and the financial implications of the divorce. Advocate depute Kevin McCallum stated that Thomson’s concerns about losing his children and the financial fallout were evident from conversations with friends and family members.

On the day of the murders, Thomson had asked Ross to go to Asda for some forgotten items. When Ross returned, Thomson claimed that Ryan and Michelle had already left the house. The tragic discovery was made later that evening when June Thomson arrived home and found her children dead and her husband in a state of despair, having slashed both wrists and stabbed himself in the stomach. He was rushed to Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, where he was later formally charged and questioned.

In a note left by Thomson, he expressed his anguish and urged his wife not to blame herself, writing: “June - too much pain, lies and hurt. Don’t blame yourself. I will look after them. Just like your mother, move on alone. Love Rab XXX.”

Thomson was detained initially at Carstairs State Hospital for assessment but was brought to court from Perth Prison. His legal team, led by QC Gordon Jackson, confirmed that medical evaluations found no evidence of mental illness at the time of the murders. Thomson now faces a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for next month. The community and the family of the victims continue to grapple with the profound tragedy that has unfolded in Buckhaven, Fife, leaving a lasting scar on all involved.