Father jailed for children's murder

Robert Thomson, 50, knifed Michelle, 25, and seven-year-old Ryan a total of 26 times in separate attacks on May 3 at the former family home in Buckhaven, Leven, in Fife.

The digger driver then made a botched attempt to kill himself, attempting to cut his wrists and stab himself in the chest. He must serve a minimum of 17 years.

His elder son Ross, whom he had sent on an errand, returned home and watched DVDs in his room, unaware of the killings.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Thomson had reacted badly to the break-up of his 27-year marriage. His estranged wife June Thomson found the bloodstained bodies of her children.

He left a suicide note saying there was "too much pain, lies and hurt" but told his wife not to blame herself.

Mrs Thomson was in court on Friday to see her estranged husband, who admitted the double murder, locked up.

Judge Lord Menzies said the vulnerable children had been entitled to their father's support and protection.

He said: "I regard this crime as being of the utmost seriousness.

"For any man to kill his child is a ghastly, horrific crime. To kill two of your children, each in different ways vulnerable and under your trust, is almost unimaginable."