Latest news with #DavidSwindle
Sky News
19-07-2025
- Sky News
Detective who helped catch 'sadistic' serial killer Peter Tobin believes there are more victims out there
What started as a missing person case led to the capture of an "evil" serial killer who "got sadistic sexual pleasure" from murdering women. Peter Tobin died in October 2022 at the age of 76 while serving three life sentences for the murders of Angelika Kluk, Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol. Former detective superintendent David Swindle helped to unmask the murderer and has always believed there are more victims out there. Mr Swindle told Sky News: "Peter Tobin was evil. And, you know, there's a lot of speculation - nature, nurture or born evil. He's evil. This is someone that got sadistic sexual pleasure from killing people. "And when we look back at his life, we see that he cut the head off a dog. He tortured animals - a trait that featured with Ian Brady killing a cat. "This kind of stuff - he was progressing, he had all the traits early on. And then we traced various partners that he had, and they describe horrific, violent domestic abuse. "This is someone progressing towards it. And Tobin is evil. He's killed other people, but we don't know how many else he's killed. "And the reason we don't know it, is because he targeted vulnerable people and he was forensically aware. So, there could be others, there will be other cases." Tobin's secret reign of terror was unveiled following the disappearance of Polish student Angelika Kluk in September 2006. The 23-year-old had been enjoying her second summer at St Patrick's Church in Glasgow, where she was living and working as a cleaner to help finance her Scandinavian studies course at the University of Gdansk. She was reported missing after failing to turn up to work and was last seen alive in the company of the church's handyman, "Patrick McLaughlin". The caretaker initially spoke to police before sparking suspicion by disappearing himself. Following a public appeal, the force discovered "McLaughlin" was instead registered sex offender Tobin. In 1993, Tobin attacked two 14-year-old girls while living in Havant, Hampshire. He attempted to evade justice for the horrific sex assaults but was jailed the following year and spent a decade behind bars before returning to his home county of Renfrewshire in 2004. In 2005, he fled Paisley after being accused of attacking a woman and managed to avoid detection until Angelika's case. Mr Swindle said he can still remember the day he was brought onto the case after Tobin's true identity was discovered. Angelika instantly became a high-risk missing person as she was last seen in the company of a registered sex offender. Officers were sent back to search the church, where Angelika's body was thereafter discovered under the floorboards. Forensic scientist Carol Rogers ordered for the body not to be moved and crawled under the floorboards to collect vital DNA evidence from the bloody crime scene. Angelika suffered a violent death in the sexually motivated murder. A post-mortem examination revealed she had been bound and gagged, raped, beaten with a piece of wood, and stabbed 16 times in the chest. Mr Swindle said the "ferocity" of what had happened to Angelika was "absolutely horrendous". He said: "I've worked on hundreds of murder investigations in my long time in the police, mostly in the CID. This was horrendous, absolutely horrendous, and it was organised. "The way he had put poor Angelika under the floor and concealed her remains and stayed at the scene - this is someone that's cool, calculating, someone that knew what he was about." A manhunt was launched for Tobin, who had absconded to London. He was eventually captured after admitting himself to a hospital under the name "James Kelly". His deception was foiled after a staff member recognised Tobin from the media coverage. Tobin was initially brought back to Scotland for failing to comply with his sex offender requirements. Mr Swindle said: "So, you've got the person, you've got the individual, but you need to work round it all. "Meanwhile, it's very fast moving. There was huge media interest, rightly so, and you're always thinking, 'okay, it's him, we've got to prove this'. "And you have to prove it beyond reasonable doubt, and that was the issue. And then later on that week, we got the DNA. It was Tobin's DNA. That is a significant development." Tobin denied any wrongdoing and went to trial despite the DNA evidence stacked against him. Dorothy Bain KC, Scotland's now lord advocate, was the prosecutor in the case. Jurors heard how semen recovered from Angelika's body linked back to Tobin, as did fingerprints on tarpaulin left at the scene of the crime. The victim's blood was also found on a wooden table leg and on Tobin's watch. The defence, led by Donald Findlay KC, claimed any sex was consensual. Suspicions were instead cast on to the parish priest at the time, who claimed he'd had a sexual relationship with Angelika, as well as a married man the victim was having an affair with. Mr Swindle said: "What happened very early on with the murder of Angelika Kluk was what you see so many times in cases - victim blaming and victim shaming." Jurors saw through Tobin's lies and found him guilty. Judge Lord Menzies described the rapist and murderer as an "evil man" as he handed down a life sentence with at least 21 years behind bars in May 2007. The killer kicked a press photographer to the ground as he was led from the High Court in Edinburgh. Following Tobin's conviction, what was then Strathclyde Police launched Operation Anagram to investigate his life. Mr Swindle said: "As soon as I saw what Peter Tobin had done to poor Angelika - how organised he was, how methodical he was, the fact that he was using a false name, the fact that he gave a statement to the police in a false name before the heat was on him. "He was 60 years of age. He's done this before." Mr Swindle said "fortunately" there aren't many serial killers in the UK. He added: "Serial killers - they're cunning, they're controlling, they're conniving, they can be charming, and that's what we actually found out about Tobin, and they can be clever." Mr Swindle likened Tobin's traits to that of Moors murderer Ian Brady and fellow Scot Dennis Nilsen, who admitted murdering at least 15 young men between 1978 and 1983. Mr Swindle said: "And that's when I thought we have to look at his whole life." As officers mapped the thrice-married Tobin's movements over the years, it was discovered he was living in Bathgate at the time of Vicky Hamilton's disappearance in February 1991. Vicky was just 15 when she went missing from a bus stop in the West Lothian town. The teenager had been staying with her older sister in Livingston and vanished during a cold weather snap while making her way home to Redding, near Falkirk. She was last seen alive eating from a bag of chips while waiting for her connecting bus. The case was one of Scotland's most high-profile missing person enquiries. Sadly, Vicky's heartbroken mother, Janette, died in 1993 without knowing what happened to her daughter. In June 2007, police searched Tobin's old Bathgate home and recovered a dagger hidden in the loft space. A piece of Vicky's skin was recovered from the weapon. Vicky's purse, which had been discarded in Edinburgh following her disappearance in an attempt to fool police she had run away, was submitted for testing and found to contain traces of saliva linking back to Tobin's then young son. It is believed the toddler may have put the purse in his mouth while playing with it. There was no sign of Vicky, but the mystery would soon unravel nearly 500 miles away. In October 2007, a search was conducted at Tobin's old home in Margate, Kent, where he had moved to a few months after Vicky went missing. Officers believed he may have been involved in the disappearance of 18-year-old Dinah McNicol. The Essex teenager vanished in August 1991 after accepting a ride while hitchhiking home from a music festival in Hampshire. Her male friend was dropped off by the man, but she was never seen again. Following Dinah's disappearance, large sums of money were withdrawn from her bank account along the south coast. The location of the ATMs linked back to places Tobin had lived. After 16 years, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of both Vicky and Dinah came to a close with the discovery of their bodies in the back garden of Tobin's old Margate home. Vicky had been dismembered. Prosecutors argued Tobin drugged the teenagers with amitriptyline, which he was prescribed at the time, before raping and murdering them. Tobin once again denied any wrongdoing - despite his fingerprints being found on the refuse bags used to wrap the bodies - but was found guilty of both murders. In December 2008, he was sentenced to at least 30 years in jail for killing Vicky. The following year he received a whole life order for the death of Dinah. Tobin died on 8 October 2022. The HMP Edinburgh inmate had been receiving palliative care at the city's royal infirmary following a fall in his cell the previous month. A fatal accident inquiry was held last year, which revealed Tobin was suffering from bronchial pneumonia, vascular disease and prostate cancer at the time of his death. The serial killer's ashes were later scattered at sea as no one came forward to claim them. Tobin has long been suspected by police of murdering other women due to the sheer amount of aliases, cars, and homes he held over his lifetime. Mr Swindle said: "Tobin's killed other people - there's no doubt about it." However, Tobin took his secrets to the grave. Mr Swindle said: "Police Scotland were at his bedside when he was dying and asked him to do the right thing. He didn't. "It's the ultimate control. It's like Ian Brady - a narcissist. They lack empathy, it's all about them." Tobin's name was linked to the disappearance of Louise Kay, 18, from Beachy Head in Eastbourne in 1988. The murder of Jessie Earl, 22, in 1980 was also reinvestigated as part of Operation Anagram. Her remains were recovered in 1989 in thick undergrowth on Beachy Head, a place she would often take walks and the same area Louise disappeared. Mystery continues to surround dozens of pieces of jewellery recovered from Tobin's possessions in Glasgow after he fled the church following Angelika's murder. Mr Swindle believes Tobin's plan was to move Angelika's body away from the crime scene - as what he did with Vicky - but police arrived before he could dispose of the evidence. Mr Swindle said: "That phrase that's used quite a lot - trophies. I don't like that phrase. I think the word trophy sounds like a victory. I call it souvenirs from a horrible act. "And Tobin, I thought, 'he's kept them, they're souvenirs from a terrible act'. "And to take it further, the jewellery is examined and there's DNA profiles on that jewellery. Profiles of women, which we've never identified. Trophies is a horrible word." Tobin has also been mentioned in connection with the Bible John killings, a series of murders that brought terror to Glasgow in the late 1960s. The deaths of the three young women - who met their killer at the city's renowned Barrowland Ballroom - remain unsolved. Mr Swindle said: "I'm not convinced the same person was involved in these three murders. "And there's no evidence, I don't think professionally and evidentially, that Peter Tobin killed these women either." Police Scotland has since scaled back Operation Anagram. Mr Swindle retired from the force in 2011 but went on to set up David Swindle Crime Solutions. As well as offering expert crime advice and spearheading independent case reviews, he can also be found on tour with his latest stage show, Murder: A Search For The Truth. Mr Swindle additionally established Victims Abroad to help support families who lose a loved one in a foreign country due to homicide or suspicious death and are faced with confusing updates and legal processes in different languages. Speaking of Operation Anagram, Mr Swindle said: "Throughout my long police career, I've worked in some big, big investigations. "This, for me, is a career defining moment and also a personal and professional defining moment in my life. "I've never worked on anything like it, and I hope never ever to experience it again. And I hope no other serving officers have to experience such horrendous things."
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former Edinburgh police chief says murderers 'must reveal where bodies are to get parole'
A former police chief who brought killer Peter Tobin to justice says he backs calls for murderers who do not reveal where victims' bodies are to be kept in prison. David Swindle told the Daily Record podcast, Criminal Record, that he backs Suzanne's Law. This demands that killers must disclose their victim's whereabouts if they are to be considered for parole. The Scottish Government has included a proposal for Suzanne's Law in the Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill which is going through parliament. READ MORE: Edinburgh gangsters go on six-day rampage armed with 'gun', machetes and knife READ MORE: Edinburgh man rushed to hospital after being 'stabbed' in tenement flat terror Suzanne's Law is named after office worker Suzanne Pilley, who was murdered by colleague and ex David Gilroy in 2010. He was sentenced to life in 2012 but has never revealed what he did with her body, which is believed to be buried in Argyll. Other high-profile cases include Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. Swindle, who probed more than 100 murders in a 34-year police career, said: 'We need to have something like a Suzanne's Law to stop people getting out if they don't reveal what they did with the body. 'With Suzanne Pilley her body has never been found and there is a person convicted of that, the same as Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'These people have never revealed what they did with the bodies. If they don't reveal what they did they should not then be eligible for parole. If your loved one is murdered by someone who is in prison and has never revealed what they did with the body you would not want them to get out." Swindle, who retired in 2011, says a murder without a body leaves victims' families in limbo. He added: 'People think by destroying the body that there is no evidence but you will still be caught." England and Wales already have a similar measure – Helen's Law. Suzanne's dad Rob died in 2019 without knowing where she was buried. Detectives believe Gilroy killed her in the building where they worked in Edinburgh after he confronted her over ending their affair. Arlene, from Elgin, Moray, vanished from her home in 1998 after her children went to school. Her husband Nat Fraser, who is serving life for her murder, has refused to say what became of his wife. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Avril Jones and Edward Cairney were jailed for life in 2019 for killing Margaret, 19, at their home in Inverkip. They refused to say where they put her. Financial adviser Lynda was abducted, tortured and killed in 2011. Colin Coats and Philip Wade were convicted of killing the 27-year-old Glaswegian in 2013. Her body has never been found. Swindle led the probe into Tobin's murder of Polish student Angelika Kluk in Glasgow in 2006 for which he got life. He set up Operation Anagram which led to Tobin being convicted of the murders of Vicky Hamilton, 15, and Dinah McNicol, 18. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Justice Secretary supported an amendment at Stage 2 in May which requires the Parole Board to take account of whether the prisoner has information about the disposal of the victim's remains but has not disclosed it. "If the Bill is passed then this will become law."
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Daily Record
'Murderers must reveal where bodies are hidden to get parole' says ex-top cop
David Swindle tells our Criminal Record podcast that he backs proposals for a Suzanne's Law where the killer must disclose their victim's whereabouts if they are to be considered for parole. The ex-police chief who brought serial killer Peter Tobin to justice says murderers who do not reveal locations of victims' bodies should never be released. David Swindle tells our Criminal Record podcast that he backs a Suzanne's Law where the killer must disclose their victim's whereabouts if they are to be considered for parole. The Scottish Government has included a proposal for a Suzanne's Law in the Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill which is going through parliament. Suzanne's Law is named after office worker Suzanne Pilley, who was murdered by colleague and ex David Gilroy in 2010. He was sentenced to life in 2012 but has never revealed what he did with her body, which is believed to be buried in Argyll. Other high-profile cases include Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. Swindle, who probed more than 100 murders in a 34-year police career, said: 'We need to have something like a Suzanne's Law to stop people getting out if they don't reveal what they did with the body. 'With Suzanne Pilley her body has never been found and there is a person convicted of that, the same as Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. 'These people have never revealed what they did with the bodies. If they don't reveal what they did they should not then be eligible for parole. If your loved one is murdered by someone who is in prison and has never revealed what they did with the body, you would not want them to get out.' Swindle, who retired in 2011, says a murder without a body leaves victims' families in limbo. He added: 'People think by destroying the body that there is no evidence but you will still be caught.' England and Wales already have a similar measure – Helen's Law. Suzanne's dad Rob died in 2019 without knowing where she was buried. Detectives believe Gilroy killed her in the building where they worked in Edinburgh after he confronted her over ending their affair. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Arlene, from Elgin, Moray, vanished from her home in 1998 after her c hildren went to school. Her husband Nat Fraser, who is serving life for her murder, has refused to say what became of his wife. Avril Jones and Edward Cairney were jailed for life in 2019 for killing Margaret, 19, at their home in Inverkip. They refused to say where they put her. Financial adviser Lynda was abducted, tortured and killed in 2011. Colin Coats and Philip Wade were convicted of killing the 27-year-old Glaswegian in 2013. Her body has never been found Swindle led the probe into Tobin's murder of Polish student Angelika Kluk in Glasgow in 2006 for which he got life. He set up Operation Anagram which led to Tobin being convicted of the murders of Vicky Hamilton, 15, and Dinah McNicol, 18. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Justice Secretary supported an amendment at Stage 2 in May which requires the Parole Board to take account of whether the prisoner has information about the disposal of the victim's remains but has not disclosed it. 'If the Bill is passed then this will become law.' To watch the podcast, head over to our YouTube channel by clicking here. You can also subscribe to listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts by searching for 'Criminal Record' .
Glasgow Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Peter Tobin detective brings true crime show to Glasgow
David Swindle, best known for his work on the Tobin case and leading Operation Anagram, will be on stage at Barras Art & Design for 'Murder: A Search for the Truth' on October 12. Mr Swindle will explore the realities of murder investigations alongside Sunday Mail columnist, broadcaster, and publicist Heather Suttie. Read more: 'Immeasurable' impact of new garden area at Hamilton hospital Man charged after 'wilful fire raising' and 'vandalism' at cemetery Mr Swindle said: "I'm looking forward to being on stage with Heather, bringing together a new dynamic of the detective's insight and an inquisitive publicist's questions. "This tour is a rare chance to hear real stories and understand the truth behind the headlines." With more than 30 years of experience in policing, Mr Swindle has been involved in hundreds of murder cases, supporting families and cracking major crimes. The event will delve into some of the UK's most challenging investigations, including suspicious deaths abroad and unresolved cases at home. Ms Suttie will pose the questions the public wants answered. Together, they will examine why killers commit their crimes and whether it is possible to identify them before they strike. They will also discuss whether a perfect murder could ever exist. Tickets for the event are priced at £24 plus a booking fee and are available via Eventbrite and
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Murder: A Search for the Truth – Live with David Swindle in Stirling
International crime expert David Swindle, the former detective who led the Peter Tobin investigation and created Operation Anagram, is coming to Stirling on Wednesday, October 29 with his brand-new live show Murder: A Search for the Truth. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With over 30 years in policing and a reputation for solving high-profile cases, David brings his real-life experience of murder investigations, cold case reviews, and working with families seeking answers. This is your chance to hear what really happens behind the scenes of a murder case — the pressure, the breakthroughs, and the lasting impact on victims' families. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Known for his straight-talking style and meticulous case analysis, David lifts the lid on the pressures and breakthroughs that come with chasing killers and fighting for justice for victims. David Swindle David Swindle said: ' I'm excited to be back on stage with this trailblazing combination of the detective and journalist. This autumn tour is one not to be missed in Stirling.' This is not fiction. It's real cases, real victims and real consequences. David will dissect some of the UK's most complex investigations. Whether dealing with suspicious deaths overseas or unresolved cases closer to home, David offers clarity, expertise and a relentless pursuit of the truth. Joining him on stage is broadcaster and publicist Heather Suttie. She brings sharp questions, a journalist's perspective, and a deep interest in true crime. Together, they explore the toughest questions: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why do killers kill? Can you spot a murderer before they strike? Is a perfect murder even possible? Swindle & Suttie This is not a show for the faint-hearted – it's real stories, real victims, and real consequences.
