A heartbroken family sobbed with relief outside a Scots court after a man was convicted of killing a stranger he pushed into water from a pier.
Charmaine O'Donnell, 25, plunged to her death at Helensburgh Pier in Argyll and Bute after being shoved by Jacob Foster on April 23, 2021. The charity worker passed away due to severe neck injuries and drowning and Foster, 29, was today convicted of a culpable homicide following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
The killer - who suffers from a learning disability - had been accused of murder but his lawyers lodged a special defence of diminished responsibility. Following the conviction an emotional statement was released by Charmaine's mum Jacqueline Gallacher, 50, and step-dad William King, 54, as they insisted "justice had been served".
They added: "We believe the jury has reached the right verdict for our beautiful daughter Charmaine. The past 15 months have been the most difficult time we have ever had to face.
"Losing Charmaine has changed our lives forever. We will never be the same again. Our hearts have been broken. She had her whole life ahead of her. She had a great personality and sense of humour warming the hearts of all who met her."
The parents also told how Charmaine had a talent for music and art. They also thanked those involved in the case paying special tribute to the "selfless efforts" of the youngsters who tried to help Charmaine at the pier.
The statement concluded: "Although no punishment will ever bring Charmaine back, we hope and pray that a sufficient sentence is served on the person responsible for taking her life. Charmaine was a loving, caring daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin & friend. Charmaine had her whole life ahead of her.
"She was hardworking, loved her sport and she was very artistic with a special talent for music and art. She had a great personality and sense of humour, warming the hearts of all who met her. We wish to pass on our heartfelt thanks to the young people who went above and beyond to help Charmaine on that day. We will be eternally thankful to them for their selfless efforts.
"Although no punishment imposed will ever bring Charmaine back, we hope and pray that a sufficient sentence is served on the person responsible for taking Charmaine’s life.
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