Child killer Mark Bonini’s plea to be released has been knocked back by the Parole Board for Scotland.
Evil Bonini was due to plead for his freedom in April, just three days before what should have been his tiny victim Andrew Morton’s 20th birthday. But that hearing was delayed and Bonini finally made his case for freedom earlier this month.
Andrew was only two when Bonini shot him through the head in March 2005 with an airgun he had modified to give it greater power. Bonini, 44, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 13 years before he could apply for parole but has now served more than 17 years.
Andrew’s mum and dad, Sharon McMillan and Andy Morton, were relieved to learn of Bonini’s failure to leave jail, and they believe he should stay locked up for many more years.
Sharon, 51, said: “He murdered a child, little more than a baby. He should have got at least 25 years and even then he should have had to show remorse before getting out.”
Dad Andy said: “We got a letter from the board the other day saying that it had recommended that he not be released. He can start the process of applying again early next year, and we’ll always have the thought of his release hanging over us, but at least we can relax for the rest of the year.”
The couple have another six children, most still at home, and before the board sits again to discuss Bonini, they will ask it to use new powers to prevent him moving back to Garthamlock, Glasgow, where they live, when he is freed.
Andy, 47, said: “How is a father supposed to react when he sees the guy that murdered his baby? We can’t be expected to have him back in our community. I don’t want to see him, and I don’t want Sharon or the kids to have to see him.”
The family are frequent visitors to Andrew’s grave, which is always decorated with lights and tributes. Andy added: “We talk to him, tell him we miss him.”
The parole board does not comment on individual cases.
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