Brother's killer 'an evil coward'

McGeechan will serve a minimum of 20 years

The brother of an Ayrshire shopkeeper who was murdered in an unprovoked attack has branded his killer "an evil, cold and pathetic coward".

John McGeechan, 47, was sentenced to life for stabbing Amjid Ismail, 34, as he looked after his family's shop in Maybole in November 2006.

McGeechan was told he would have to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Amir Ismail described his brother's murder as "soul-destroying".

In a statement, Mr Ismail said: "Words cannot even begin to describe how difficult the last 18 months have been for the family.

"The shock, distress and pain of suddenly losing a member of your family in the most difficult of circumstances is very difficult to comprehend.

"Nobody can understand just how heartbreaking and soul-destroying it is to come home and find your parents in tears night after week after month in the knowledge that there is nothing you can do to assist.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the individual responsible for this crime is an evil, cold and pathetic coward who clearly has no respect or dignity towards other members of the public."

Mr Ismail thanked members of the local community for their response to his brother's death.

"The family has been overwhelmed at the sheer volume of cards, flowers, letters, visits, calls, texts and general positive support that have been shown to date," he said.

"All of these sources of support have been of great comfort."