Linn killer - cold, calculating and callous

Anderson owed money to Snap On Tools

Owen Anderson, a former mechanic, was deep in debt by the time he made up his mind to kill Gary Linn.

The High Court had heard that Anderson owed his bank £1,500 and was £600 behind with his rent.

He also owed cash to Mr Linn's employers, Snap On Tools. It was this debt, of £145, that led to the plan to murder the father-of-three.

The 38 year-old salesman was lured to Anderson's home with a promise of payment.

Owen Anderson is a cold, calculating, callous killer

Brian McConnachie
Advocate-depute

After killing Mr Linn and disposing of his body, Anderson sold his stock of tools worth £40,000 for just £2,000.

He quickly spent part of the cash on buying a second-hand Volkswagen Golf GTi for £800.

More was spent on buying presents for his wife, hairdresser Eloise Anderson, 32. The killer bought a gold bangle, a ring, clothing and flowers. He also used the money to buy presents for their children.

The outward displays of affection for his wife, disguised a violent temper. Anderson's trial heard that on one occasion he had killed his wife's cat during a furious row.

The prosecution described the former mechanic as a "cold, calculating, callous killer".

Anderson bought a second-hand car

He had been questioned repeatedly by the police investigating the killing after suspicion fell on him early in the inquiry.

It was said his paranoia built to almost breaking point as he continually saw police officers driving past his home. He used to duck behind the curtains. He was convinced that every little click on his phone proved it was being tapped.

Several times, during interviews with detectives, Anderson swore on the lives of his children that he would tell the police all they wanted to know about Gary's disappearance, but insisted he wanted to speak to his wife, children and parents first of all.

He even said his "heart was breaking" for the Linn family.

It was the eventual discovery of Mr Linn's hidden body and forensic evidence found in Anderson's flat, that led to his trial and conviction for murder.