Peter Tobin

Case record: Peter Tobin

Background

Peter Britton Tobin (born 27 August 1946) was a convicted Scottish serial killer and sex offender. He was serving a sentence of life imprisonment for three murders.

Tobin was the youngest of seven children. In 1953, aged seven, he was sent to an approved school after being described as a difficult child. He later spent time in a young offender institution, and in 1970 he was convicted and served jail terms in England for burglary and forgery.

In 1969, Tobin moved to Brighton, Sussex, with his 17-year-old girlfriend, Margaret L. R. Mountney, whom he married in August that year. They split after a year, and she divorced him in 1971.

In 1973, Tobin married a local nurse, Sylvia J. A. Jefferies, in Brighton. They had a son and a daughter, the latter of whom died soon after birth. This second violent marriage lasted until 1976, when she left with their son.

Tobin later had a relationship with Cathy D. Wilson, who gave birth to a son in December 1987. Tobin married Wilson in Brighton in 1989, when she was 17. In 1990, they moved to Bathgate, West Lothian. Wilson left Tobin in 1990 and moved back to Portsmouth, Hampshire, where she had grown up.

Tobin moved to Margate, Kent, in May 1991. In 1993, he moved to Havant, Hampshire, to be near his younger son.

The offence

Rape of juveniles in Havant (1993)

On 4 August 1993, Tobin attacked two 14-year-old girls babysitting his son at his flat in Havant, Hampshire. After holding them at knifepoint and forcing them to drink strong cider and vodka, he sexually assaulted and raped them.

Tobin went on the run to avoid arrest and hid in a religious retreat in Warwickshire under a false name. He was recognised and arrested after appearing on the BBC Crimewatch programme.

Angelika Kluk murder in Glasgow (2006)

In September 2006, Peter Tobin was working as a church handyman at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Anderston, Glasgow. He had assumed the name "Pat McLaughlin" to avoid detection while he was still on the Violent and Sex Offender Register but not compliant with it following his earlier 1994 convictions for rape and assault.

Angelika Kluk was a 23-year-old student from Skoczow, near Krakow in Poland. She stayed at the chapel house of St Patrick's Church, where she worked as a cleaner to help finance her Scandinavian Studies course at Gdańsk University. She was last seen alive in the company of Peter Tobin on 24 September 2006, and was thought to have been attacked by him in the garage attached to St Patrick's chapel house.

Angelika Kluk was beaten, raped, and stabbed to death. Her body was concealed in an underground chamber beneath the floor near the confessional in the church. Forensic evidence suggested that she was still alive when she was placed under the floorboards.

Police found her body on 29 September 2006, and Tobin was arrested in London shortly afterwards. He had been admitted to hospital under a false name and with a fictitious complaint.

During the court proceedings, the jury and judge described the killing as an atrocity. Tobin denied raping and murdering Ms Kluk and claimed she had consented to have sex with him.

At sentencing, Judge Lord Menzies described Tobin as "an evil man".

Verbatim quotations from the sentencing remarks included:

Judge Lord Menzies described him as "an evil man". Judge Lord Emslie said: "You stand convicted of the truly evil abduction and murder of a vulnerable young girl in 1991 and thereafter of attempting to defeat the ends of justice in various ways over an extended period... Yet again you have shown yourself to be unfit to live in a decent society. It is hard for me to convey the loathing and revulsion that ordinary people will feel for what you have done... I fix the minimum period which you must spend in custody at 30 years. Had it been open to me I would have made that period run consecutive to the 21 year custodial period that you are already serving."

Additional verbatim quotations attributed in the court coverage included:

Judge Lord Menzies told the killer: "In the course of my time in the law I have seen many bad men and I have heard evidence about many terrible crimes which have been committed but I have heard no case more tragic, more terrible than this one. The advocate-depute describes what you did to Angelika Kluk as an atrocity and that word aptly describes what you did to this young woman. "Any case of rape is serious. Any case of murder is serious. But what you did to Angelika Kluk was inhuman."

Vicky Hamilton murder (1991 disappearance; conviction in 2008)

In June 2007, Tobin's former home in Bathgate, West Lothian, was searched by police in connection with the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl, Vicky Hamilton. Vicky was last seen on 10 February 1991 as she waited for a bus home to Redding, near Falkirk.

Vicky had been visiting her older sister, Sharon, in Livingston, West Lothian, and was waiting to change buses in Bathgate. Her last sighting was as she was eating chips on a bench in the town centre. Tobin was believed to have left the town a few days after her disappearance.

On 21 July 2007, Lothian and Borders Police released a statement that they had "arrested, cautioned and charged a male in connection with the matter", but did not immediately confirm the identity of the man arrested. The investigation later led to a forensic search of a house in Southsea, Hampshire in early October 2007, where Tobin was believed to have lived shortly after leaving Bathgate.

On 14 November 2007, Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that human remains found in the back garden of 50 Irvine Drive, a house in Margate, Kent, once occupied by Tobin were those of Vicky Hamilton.

After a month-long trial, Tobin was convicted of Hamilton's murder on 2 December 2008 at the High Court in Dundee. Tobin was again defended by Donald Findlay QC and the prosecution was led by the Solicitor General for Scotland, Frank Mulholland QC.

The prosecution case included eyewitness testimony of suspicious behaviour by Tobin at the Bathgate house, evidence to destroy his alibi, and forensic evidence of DNA and fingerprints left on a dagger found in the Bathgate house, on Hamilton's purse, and on the sheeting in which her body was wrapped.

At sentencing to life imprisonment, the judge, Lord Emslie, fixed the minimum period Tobin would spend in custody at 30 years and stated that if it had been open to him he would have made that period run consecutive to the 21-year custodial period then being served. Tobin gave formal notice on 11 December 2008 that he intended to challenge the guilty verdict and overturn the prison sentence imposed; the defence team was not required to describe the grounds until later in the appeals process. Tobin did not proceed with his appeal and it was dropped in March 2009.

Dinah McNicol murder (1991 disappearance; conviction in 2009)

Dinah McNicol from Tillingham, Essex, was last seen alive on 5 August 1991. She was hitchhiking home with a male companion from a music festival at Liphook, Hampshire. He was dropped off at Junction 8 of the M25 near Reigate, and she stayed in the car with the driver. She was never seen again.

After her disappearance, regular withdrawals of £250 were made from her building society account at cash points in the UK south coast counties of Hampshire and Sussex.

On 16 November 2007, a second body was found at 50 Irvine Drive in Margate. Police later confirmed it was Dinah McNicol.

On 1 September 2008, the Crown Prosecution Service served a summons on Tobin's solicitors, formally accusing him of McNicol's murder, and the trial began in June 2009. The trial was postponed and the jury discharged in July 2009, after the judge ruled that Tobin was not fit to stand trial pending surgery. The case resumed on 14 December 2009 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

On 16 December 2009, after the defence had offered no evidence, a jury found Tobin guilty of McNicol's murder after deliberating for less than fifteen minutes. Tobin then received his third life sentence, with a recommendation by the judge that his life sentence should mean life.

Investigation

Operation Anagram and alleged additional murders

Police reopened 'Operation Anagram' to trace Tobin's past movements and his possible involvement in further 13 unsolved murders, which included the three Bible John victims.

Tobin was reported to have claimed 48 victims in boasts made in prison.

Bible John connection and related statements

Tobin's conviction led to speculation that he was Bible John. Similarities were cited between photographs of Tobin from that era and the photofit artist's impression of Bible John. It was stated that Tobin had moved from Glasgow in 1969, the same year the killings officially ended.

It was alleged that Tobin was driven to violence by the menstrual cycle. It was also stated that he was a Roman Catholic with strong religious views. Police had not commented upon any similarities, but said that any surviving forensic evidence would be rechecked. Although DNA had been used to rule out a previous suspect, detectives believed a DNA link to Tobin was unlikely due to deterioration of the samples through poor storage.

Arrest and evidence linking in the Angelika Kluk case

The six-week trial resulting from the evidence gathered under the supervision of Detective Superintendent David Remis of Strathclyde Police took place at the High Court of Justiciary, Edinburgh, between 23 March and 4 May 2007.

The body hidden in the church led to identification and confirmation events. On 1 October 2006 the body found inside the church was identified as Angelika Kluk, and police confirmed that Peter Tobin had been arrested. On 29 September 2006 police revealed that the man previously thought to be Patrick McLaughlin was 60-year-old Peter Tobin and confirmed that he was a registered sex offender. On 28 September 2006 police said an appeal for information generated a good response and officers still wanted to speak to the church's odd job man Pat McLaughlin, later confirmed as Peter Tobin. On the same day, detectives released a picture of the man known as Pat McLaughlin thought to be the last person to see Angelika. On 27 September 2006 Angelika's sister Aneta Kluk, 28, appealed for information as fears grew for her safety. On 24 September 2006 Angelika Kluk, 23, was last seen in the grounds of St Patrick's Church in the Anderston area of Glasgow.

Arrest

Angelika Kluk arrest

After police found Angelika Kluk's body on 29 September 2006 and identified Peter Tobin as the man previously thought to be Patrick McLaughlin, police arrested Tobin in London shortly afterwards.

Vicky Hamilton charge

Tobin appeared in private at Linlithgow Sheriff Court and was charged with the murder of Vicky Hamilton. A spokesman for the Crown Office said Tobin, aged 61, made no plea or declaration and remained in custody.

Trial

Angelika Kluk trial (High Court of Justiciary, Edinburgh)

The trial took place at the High Court of Justiciary, Edinburgh, between 23 March and 4 May 2007. The trial judge was Lord Menzies. The prosecution was led by Advocate Depute Dorothy Bain and the defence by Donald Findlay QC.

During the trial, Tobin denied raping and murdering Ms Kluk and claimed she had consented to have sex with him. The jury convicted him of raping and murdering Angelika Kluk.

The 4 May 2007 conviction narrative also included that Tobin attacked and threw a press photographer to the ground as he was led from the court, before police intervened to assist Reliance prison officers.

A jury of eight women and seven men took just under four hours to convict him.

Verbatim quotations attributed in the court coverage included:

Judge Lord Menzies said that Tobin should serve a minimum of 21 years. He described him as "an evil man".

A statement released through Strathclyde Police included verbatim quotations from Ms Kluk's sister Aneta:

"My father Wladyslaw and I are relieved that the man responsible for Angelika's death is now likely to spend the rest of his days behind bars. " "We would both like to thank all of the Scottish public for their support during this horrific time."

Another verbatim quotation attributed to Det Supt David Swindle, who led the murder inquiry, stated:

"I sincerely hope that they can now start to rebuild their lives and feel that justice has been done." "I can't comment on those now due to "legal restraints"." He acknowledged that there were "many questions regarding Peter Tobin's background" and his previous convictions.

In addition, the defence counsel Donald Findlay QC pointed to relationships involving former parish priest Father Gerry Nugent and married chauffeur Martin MacAskill, accusing Fr Nugent and witness Matthew Spark-Egan of being involved in the young woman's death. It was said that Fr Nugent faced contempt proceedings for contradictory and evasive answers given to Mr Findlay. Advocate depute Dorothy Bain told jurors there was a "powerful, compelling and overwhelming case against Peter Tobin".

Verbatim quotation included:

"powerful, compelling and overwhelming case against Peter Tobin".

Vicky Hamilton trial and sentencing (High Court in Dundee)

He received a life imprisonment sentence. The judge, Lord Emslie, set the minimum period in custody at 30 years and addressed the possibility of that period running consecutive to the 21-year period already being served.

A verbatim quotation attributed to the statement read by Vicky's uncle, Eric Hamilton, included:

"He is happy that the long road is nearly at an end now. All we are wanting to do is to have peace, and to get on with putting Vicky where she belongs."

Dinah McNicol trial and sentencing (Chelmsford Crown Court)

The trial began in June 2009 and was postponed with the jury discharged in July 2009 after Tobin was ruled not fit to stand trial pending surgery.

He received his third life sentence with a recommendation that his life sentence should mean life.

Sentencing

Sentence for Angelika Kluk murder

Tobin was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 21 years for the rape and murder of Angelika Kluk. The minimum of 21 years was described as what he should serve, with Judge Lord Menzies calling him "an evil man".

Sentence for Vicky Hamilton murder

Tobin was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Vicky Hamilton. Lord Emslie fixed the minimum period Tobin must spend in custody at 30 years. Lord Emslie stated that if it had been open to him he would have made that period run consecutive to the 21-year custodial period Tobin was already serving.

Sentence for Dinah McNicol murder

Tobin received his third life sentence for Dinah McNicol's murder. The judge recommended that his life sentence should mean life.

Appeals

On 11 December 2008, Tobin gave formal notice to court officials that he intended to challenge the guilty verdict and overturn the prison sentence imposed on him. The defence team was not required to describe the grounds for this appeal until a later date in the appeals process.

Outcome

A jury convicted Tobin of raping and murdering Angelika Kluk on 4 May 2007 at the High Court in Edinburgh. A separate month-long trial resulted in Tobin's conviction for the murder of Vicky Hamilton on 2 December 2008 at the High Court in Dundee. In a further trial, after the defence offered no evidence, Tobin was found guilty of the murder of Dinah McNicol on 16 December 2009 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Other details

Charges and proceedings relating to Angelika Kluk

Tobin faced one charge of murder and two charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with Angelika Kluk. It was stated that on 7 October 2006 he was formally charged with the murder of Angelika Kluk. On 9 October 2006 he appeared in court charged with Angelika's murder. On 3 October 2006 due to a medical condition, Tobin was detained in a hospital in London and it was unclear when he would be fit to travel to Scotland.

Violent and Sex Offender Register breach sentence

In May 2007, Tobin received a further 30-month sentence for breaching the terms of the Violent and Sex Offender Register from the case in which he was previously convicted.

Details of witness and family statements in the Vicky Hamilton coverage

Michael Hamilton, father of Vicky Hamilton, walked in front of the van carrying Peter Tobin as it drew up to Linlithgow Sheriff Court. A statement read before the hearing by Vicky's uncle, Eric Hamilton, was issued in which he said Tobin's family was nearly at an end now.

The account also stated that Tobin arrived at court in a prison van at around 10.30am and that traffic was stopped. There were emotional scenes and shouting from members of the public as Tobin was taken inside for the hearing. Tobin was comforted as Visibly shaken, Mr Hamilton was comforted by two women who took his arms and led him away.

People and names connected to the Angelika Kluk trial coverage

Donald Findlay QC acted as defence counsel for Tobin in the Angelika Kluk trial. Advocate Depute Dorothy Bain led the prosecution. Trial judge Lord Menzies sentenced Tobin to life imprisonment with a minimum period of 21 years.

In the sentencing period narrative, Father Gerry Nugent, witness Matthew Spark-Egan, and married chauffeur Martin MacAskill were referenced in connection with the defence case point. Their roles were tied to alleged involvement as presented by the defence.

Neighbourhood and discovery details at 50 Irvine Drive

Police began tearing apart the house at 50 Irvine Drive in Margate after discovering a second body. The remains of Dinah McNicol were expected to be confirmed. The discovery came the day after Tobin appeared in court charged with the murder of Vicky Hamilton.

Her body was described as found on Monday, buried under a sandpit in the back garden. A police officer was quoted saying:

"There is every possibility that other human remains will be found,"

The narrative included that Tobin was feared responsible for the deaths of at least 18 women, and it also stated that this would eclipse the murderous record of Fred and Rosemary West's 12 victims.

Further discovery details included that Tobin had lived at Irvine Dr for several years and built a sandpit for his children. Forensic pathologists and crime scene detectives found bodies in the deep pit. Digging took place with searching with fingertips, and police found personal items belonging to the girls. Ground-penetrating radar was used on the concrete slab floor and holes drilled to test abnormalities in sub-flooring.

It was stated that police vowed to search every house he had lived in since 1978 and that Irvine Drive was one of many homes the Scotsman had lived in.

Tobin's former wives described torture and abuse by him. His first wife Margaret Mackintosh stated:

"I don't know where this is all going to end,"

and she was quoted as being distressed by the discovery of a second body.

Family statements relating to Dinah McNicol

Dinah McNicol's father Ian McNicol fought back tears while revealing that police believed they had found his missing daughter. He said:

"I will be absolutely elated if they have," "It will mean we will be able to grieve as a family." "It has been long wait." "I always said I wanted to know what happened to my daughter before I died and hopefully I will now." "I don't know how the police ended up going to that house, in the first place." "It's a fantastic bit of police work, if they have found her." "It's the worst thing (not knowing what happened) I've ever had, the not knowing - because I've had it for years."

Neighbour quotes

Neighbour Patricia Owen stated:

"Oh my God, this is awful." "I have been praying every night this week that no-one else would be found there." "I just can't believe they have found another body there." "It's horrifying to think what happened in that house, really terrifying." "Who knows how many bodies the police will find there?"

Neighbour Bethany Jenkins said:

"It's incredible to think all this is happening, so close to my home." "I've got two young children." "This has chilled me to the bone." "I feel sick with it all." "It's worse than a horror film." "I want to move away now."

Timeline

• 3 October 2006 — Due to a medical condition, Peter Tobin was detained in a hospital in London and it was unclear when he would be fit to travel to Scotland.
• 9 October 2006 — Tobin appeared in court charged with Angelika's murder; he faced one charge of murder and two charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
• 4 May 2007 — A jury found Peter Tobin guilty of raping and murdering Angelika Kluk at the High Court in Edinburgh.
• 23 March 2007 — The six-week trial in the Angelika Kluk case began at the High Court of Justiciary, Edinburgh.
• 1 October 2006 — The body found inside the church was identified as Angelika Kluk; Strathclyde Police confirmed that Peter Tobin had been arrested.
• 24 September 2006 — Angelika Kluk was last seen in the grounds of St Patrick's Church in the Anderston area of Glasgow.
• 27 September 2006 — Angelika's sister Aneta Kluk, 28, appealed for information.
• 28 September 2006 — Police said an appeal generated a good response; they released a picture of the man known as Pat McLaughlin.
• 29 September 2006 — Police discovered a body concealed within the church; they revealed the man previously thought to be Patrick McLaughlin was 60-year-old Peter Tobin and confirmed he was a registered sex offender.
• 30 September 2006 — Father Gerry Nugent said he was "utterly shattered" that a body had been found in the church.
• 7 October 2006 — Tobin was formally charged with the murder of Angelika Kluk.
• 14 October 2007 — The investigation led to a forensic search of a house in Southsea, Hampshire in early October 2007.
• 14 November 2007 — Police confirmed that human remains found at 50 Irvine Drive in Margate were those of Vicky Hamilton.
• 2 December 2008 — Tobin was convicted of Hamilton's murder at the High Court in Dundee.
• 11 December 2008 — Tobin gave formal notice to challenge the guilty verdict and overturn the prison sentence imposed on him.
• 14 December 2009 — The Dinah McNicol case resumed at Chelmsford Crown Court.
• 16 December 2009 — A jury found Tobin guilty of McNicol's murder after deliberating for less than fifteen minutes; Tobin received his third life sentence.
• 16 November 2007 — A second body was found at 50 Irvine Drive in Margate.