A TEENAGE brute who killed a dad-of-two can be unmasked today — as his victim’s family say their pain will “go on forever”.
Our picture shows baby-faced thug Kian Lapsley — who was 15 when he punched and kicked Scott Mitchell to death after seeing him kissing a woman on a swing chair in a garden.
Family HandoutTeen killer Kian Lapsley can now be unmasked[/caption]
Social MediaScott Mitchell was battered to death by Lapsley[/caption]
Family HandoutScott with his family – who have been left devastated by his brutal murder[/caption]
The killer can now be identified after he turned 18, weeks after being caged for six-and-a-half years for the savage late-night attack on the 48-year-old in June 2023.
Scott’s devastated loved ones last night told how his mum Joyce, 73, died of a “broken heart” last year months after his death.
And they revealed they had been forced to move house after the tragedy split the community in Alness, Easter Ross.
Scott’s dad Jackie, 76, said: “The last two years have been really hard. We lost two much-loved members of our family because of what happened that night.
“Joyce died of a broken heart. Our pain will go on forever but the perpetrator will be free in four-to-six years to carry on his life.
“It is hoped he takes time to reflect on the effect his actions have had — and when he is released it makes him a better person than the one who went in.”
The High Court in Inverness previously heard how Scott, who had split from his wife, had met the woman in a local pub and gone back to her home.
Lapsley pounced on the BT engineer after spotting the pair as he walked home after drinks at a pal’s house.
Scott suffered horrific facial injuries and died at the scene.
Lapsley fled but cops found him soaked in blood in a nearby park.
He told officers: “I have an anger problem which I can control normally.
“But seeing what I did there was no chance.”
His loved ones claimed he had gone to the aid of the woman, thinking she was being hurt.
Lapsley was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to culpable homicide in June.
Passing sentence at the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Arthurson told him: “This was a savage, sustained and merciless case of sheer brutality. You battered his face to a pulp while you were out of control with anger.”
Jackie told of his unease that Lapsley was able to remain anonymous for years while his own family battled their grief.
He said: “Whether justice has been done is a question we sometimes ask ourselves.
“There is the issue of anonymity and the age of responsibility.
“It seems that from 16, you can be responsible enough to drive, get married and have children.
“But not for your criminal actions in the eyes of the law. We feel that needs to change.”
Scott’s sister Jacqueline, 46, and brother Ian, 43, now stage annual memorial events to raise cash for the keen runner and Munro climber’s favourite charities.
They said: “Not a day goes by where Scott and mum are not talked and thought about.
“They are missed so very much, not only by the family but all who knew them.”
Lapsley’s relatives revealed they had also suffered a backlash in the close-knit town.
One relative claimed: “There is not a bad bone in Kian’s body.
“It’s been a tragic case for all.”
Family HandoutScott and late mum Joyce[/caption]
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