A Scots cop who was brutually murdered in the line of duty has been given a bravery award.
Detective Sergeant William Ross Hunt was killed in Larkhall in 1983 while trying to arrest a stabbing suspect, Hugh Murray Jr, 16, but his family then attacked police with a range of weapons. DS Hunt protected other officers and ensured they got back to their vehicles, but received numerous serious injuries and sadly died.
Now, Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone of Police Scotland has presented the family of the officer with a Chief Constable’s Bravery Award, awarded posthumously, at a special ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters.
DS Hunt's family had been campaigning for him to be honoured since his death but were repeatedly denied.
In 2021, they were told by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, that their latest request for a medal had been refused by the Home Office and Cabinet Office in Downing Street. But forty years after his death he has been recognised for his heroic actions.
Speaking after presenting the award to DS Hunt’s family, including his two sons, Sir Iain said: “Ross's actions saved the lives of his fellow officers. His selfless courage and public service reflect all that is good in Scottish policing. It was a privilege to meet Ross's family, and, together, recognise his outstanding bravery.”
Just nine months before he was due to retire, DS Hunt and three officers tried to arrest 16-year-old Hugh Murray Jr – who was suspected of stabbing two men.
However, the four detectives were attacked by Murray family members outside their house in Larkhall shortly after 1.20am.
Twisted, Murray Jr stabbed DS Hunt on the chest and stomach with a knife while sitting on top of him.
DS Hunt's colleagues – DCs John Hair, Wilson Gillan and Duncan Nicholson – were beaten back by the family when they went to help their stricken colleague. Hunt, who was 56, was rushed to nearby Law Hospital but never regained consciousness and passed away.
After a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, Murray Jr was sentenced to be detained without limit of time for the killing. He was also sentenced to seven years for the attempted murder of Nicholson.
His father, Hugh Murray Sr, and older sister Margaret Smith were also jailed for life for murder. Murray Sr was released after 10 years and Smith after 13 years. Murray Jr was freed in 2004 and died of a drugs overdose in 2008.
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