Statement from the family of Amjid Ismail
(21st May 2008)
Media reports:
Brother's killer 'an evil coward'
BBC News - UK
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. ...
A man has been sentenced to life
in prison for killing a shopkeeper.
4ni.co.uk - UK
Forty-seven-year-old John
McGeechan was convicted last month of stabbing
Amjid Ismail, 34, at his family's shop in
Maybole, Ayrshire, in November 2006. ...
Man gets life for 'wicked' murder
The Press Association -
Mohammed Amjid Ismail, 34, was
stabbed to death as he worked in his family's
store in Maybole, Ayrshire, on November 8 2006.
The horrific sound of the
...
Statement from the
family of Amjid Ismail (21st May 2008)
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. As a result of his actions there
will always be a permanent gap that will never
be filled again. Today marks the end of the
formal proceedings and I welcome the closure
that this will hopefully bring to the family.
With reference
to today’s proceedings there are no
circumstances whatsoever in my mind that may
justify an individual convicted of taking the
life of another person even being considered for
early release or placement within an open
prison. The time has surely now come for our
Members of Parliament to be accountable to the
public and launch an urgent and immediate review
of the various elements of our Justice System,
with swift legislation to address the changes
sought.
I would,
however, like to end this statement on a
positive note. One thing that has become clear
is that for every undesirable individual we
harbour in society there are hundreds (if not
thousands) of warm, affectionate and kind people
who make up the vast majority of the Scottish
public. On that note the family would like to
issue their thanks to a number of people.
Firstly a thank you to all the medical staff who
fought so hard to save the life of my brother,
starting from the ambulance service to all the
hospital staff. A large thank you must go to
all members of Strathclyde Police, whose
professionalism and determination were evident
from the first moment. Thank you to the Crown
Office, whose immense effort and commitment
resulted in not only justice but also some
closure to this incident. A large thank you
must go to our employers, colleagues and
ex-colleagues, who have shown (and no doubt will
continue to show) exceptional understanding and
support. And lastly, the largest thank you to
the largest group. Quite simply, the family
have been overwhelmed at the sheer volume of
cards, flowers, letters, visits, calls, texts
and general positive support that have been
shown to date. All of these sources of support
have been of great comfort.
I would like
to end this statement by requesting that the
press respect the privacy of the family and now
be left alone in peace in order that we all may
attempt to move on with our lives.
Amir M Ismail
November 2006.
The community of Maybole was stunned last week to learn
of a murder in their town. Everyone was shocked to hear
of the death of Amjid Ismail who was working in the
family shop in Kirkland Street, and a book of condolence
has been opened to allow townspeople to record their
sympathy. The book was opened after the Remembrance
Sunday service in the Town Hall and will remain open for
the rest of November and then handed to the family.
Some have recorded short messages of sympathy and others
have simply signed their names. Whatever people are
comfortable with, they are invited to add to the book.
Rev Dave Whiteman said, “Maybole is a very tight knit
community and the community is devastated by these
terrible events. The Ismail family are much loved and
well respected in the town and everyone in Maybole is
sharing the family’s pain and loss. Amjid was a popular
and well known figure around the town and all our
thoughts and prayers are with the family at this
difficult time.”
Cathy
Jamieson MSP said: "Like everyone else, I was appalled
by the news and my thoughts are with the Ismail Family
at this very sad time. I've been contacted by members of
the local community who are stunned by this tragedy.
Maybole is a very strong community and people have
rallied around the family. I am in close contact with
Strathclyde Police and the matter is now in the hands of
the courts."
Councillor Alan Murray added, “'I
can only say that I was shocked at the news of the
incident and deeply saddened by the death of Amjid
Ismail my thoughts and sympathy are with his family and
that I know the people of Maybole and the surrounding
area share these feelings. I also hope the perpetrator
of this vicious act will be swiftly brought to account
for this dreadful deed.” Councillor Brian Connolly said,
“Ahmjid was a gentle man, hard working and decent and I
discovered in the relatively short time that I knew him,
that he had a subtle sense of humour. This is tragic for
Mr Ismail and his family and the strong community spirit
in the town has been evident in the shared grief and
sympathy shown to the family.”
David Kiltie, chairman
of Maybole Community Council, said, “I was totally
shocked last week to hear of the tragic events at
Kirkland Stores. All our hearts go out to the Ismail
family at this sad time. Almost everyone in the town
knew the family and many were quick to send flowers and
cards as expression of their sympathy. We hope that this
will be of some comfort to them as they mourn the death
of Amjid.”
Rev John Stuart,
former minister of Maybole West Church, has also been in
touch by e-mail from the Unites States to say, “I
was absolutely stunned to read about the murder in
Maybole. The family of that young man have always been
supportive to the Maybole community and I can remember
several times when the shopkeeper helped out families in
the town when they underwent times of crisis, grief, and
tragedy.
I
know that the whole community of Maybole will express
their deepest sympathy to this family and show them
compassionate love in the midst of their sadness.” He
asked Mr Kiltie to pass on his message and tell the
family that they are all in his prayers.
Flowers were laid near
the shop, prayers were said in local churches, and the
family received flowers and many cards as the community
rallied round them. |
