Coatbridge residents shocked at alleged murder

Mar 3 2010 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

SHOCKED residents in a Coatbridge tower block have told of their horror at the alleged violent murder of a 36-year-old mum.

Tragic Annmarie Kelly was found dead in a flat in High Coats last Saturday morning.

It is believed she suffered multiple stab wounds in a terrifying attack.

A man and woman have been charged with her murder and appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Monday.

Ms Kelly is thought to have been at the 11th-floor home of her boyfriend when the alleged incident that led to her death took place.

Yesterday, a single bunch of flowers lay in poignant tribute outside the sealed entrance to number 164 at the huge tower block complex.

Emergency services were called to the address at around 4.40am on Saturday.

Forensic officers examined the scene for clues to help piece together the events that ended in Ms Kelly’s bloody death.

Residents at High Coats told the Advertiser of their shock.

One mum of four said: “I didn’t really know her but she would always say hello and would never walk by you.

“It is a terrible situation – no-one deserves anything like that to happen to them.”

Mum-of-three Lynne Wood said: “You would see her walking up the street and she never gave anyone any bother.

“I saw the police in white suits on Saturday morning and found out later what had gone on. I am surprised that something like this has happened in that block because that’s where the concierge is.

“But it’s getting worse round here.

“I think they should be putting cameras on every landing.”

Thomas McLaughlin, who lives on the eighth floor of nearby Dunbeth Court, said: “I can see High Coats from my window so I knew there was something up when I saw the police cars on Saturday morning.

“But I never thought it would be anything like this.

“It really is terrible.”

Teenager Gemma Elliot lives just below the flat in which Ms Kelly was found dead.

She said: “I have only lived here since September, but it doesn’t surprise me.”

It is alleged that Megan Watt (19), of no fixed abode, and Colin Renicks (38), of Jackson Court, murdered Annmarie Kelly, of High Coats.

Both accused appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Monday and made no plea or declaration. They were remanded in custody, and committed for further examination.