A 42-year-old man from Kilmarnock, William Kelly, was convicted of murdering his 71-year-old mother, Cathy Kelly, and received a minimum sentence of 23 years.
The tragic incident occurred at their home on Kilmaurs Road when Kelly poured petrol over his mother and set her ablaze.
During the court proceedings, jurors heard Kelly shouting 'die, die' as his mother was engulfed in flames.
His main concern afterwards was his pet dog, Poppy.
The judge described his conduct as 'horrific' and issued a life sentence, with Lady Stacey highlighting that Kelly denied involvement in the murder and showed no remorse.
Kelly argued that the fire was accidental, caused by petrol spilling onto his trousers while cleaning a car part, and expressed that he had only done what he 'had to' and believed his mother 'deserved what she got.' Evidence presented in court indicated that Kelly's act of violence was sparked by his mother’s drunken embarrassment at a family party, after which he dragged her into their home, assaulted her, and set her on fire.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
from Kilmarnock, William Kelly, was convicted of murdering his 71-year-old mother, Cathy Kelly, and received a minimum sentence of 23 years. The tragic incident occurred at their home on Kilmaurs Road when Kelly poured petrol over his mo...
Life or indeterminate sentence
life
The judge described his conduct as 'horrific' and issued a life sentence, with Lady Stacey highlighting that Kelly denied involvement in the murder and showed no remorse
