Mum makes emotional plea for son's killer to come forward

21 May 2019, 12:55 | Updated: 21 May 2019, 12:57

The mother of Billyjoe Bates has made a public appeal for any information which could lead to the arrest of his killer, six months after he was murdered in the Milton area of Glasgow.

Emergency services were called to Ashfield Street at its junction with Kippen Street around 2.30pm on Sunday 18 November 2018, after 28 year old Billyjoe was found seriously injured.

He was taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he died in the early hours of Thursday 22 November.

A dedicated team of specialist officers continue to work within the local community to gather information which could lead them to the person responsible for Billyjoe’s death.

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for any information which could lead to the arrest of the person responsible for Billyjoe’s death.

Jackie Wilson, Billyjoe’s mother, joined Detective Inspector Scott McCallum at a press conference today, Tuesday 21 May 2019, to appeal for information. She said:

"I am appealing for anyone who has any information about the murder of my son Billyjoe, or for the person responsible to look to their conscience and come forward.

"It has been six months now and I still can’t face the fact that he will never walk back through the door. Billyjoe was my absolute world. Every day without him is mental torture.

"He did not deserve to die the way he did. Myself and my family are heartbroken and deserve answers to why this has happened.

"If you have any information please contact the police or Crimestoppers."

Police have spoken to a significant number of local residents and businesses as part of their enquiries and are still trying to trace a potential witness, who was seen in the nearby Londis Store and then walking along Kippen Street, around the time of the attack on Billyjoe.

The man is described as between 25 to 45 years of age, medium build, approximately 5'9"-5'11" and had dark facial hair with a neatly trimmed beard, moustache and sideburns. He was wearing a grey 'beanie' style hat, a black jacket, black jogging bottoms and white trainers. Within the Londis store he purchased milk and American Cream Soda.

Detective Inspector Scott McCallum from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said:

"There is no doubt in my mind that people in the local community of Milton know who is responsible for the murder of Billyjoe Bates.

"It is vital that we are able to arrest the individual responsible and provide some sort of closure to Billyjoe’s family, who have been left completely devastated by his loss.

"I would urge anyone who has information, and is yet to speak to the police, to please do the right thing and get in touch."