Human remains found in West Lothian last week have now been positively identified as those of one of Scotland's most wanted and dangerous men, Martin Hamilton.
The remains were found in a wooded area near West Calder by a dog walker who alerted officers on Thursday 17 December 2015. A cordon was immediately set up so that a detailed search and examination of the area could be carried out.
Hamilton was released from prison in September last year but was sought after by Police for breaching the terms of his licence.
The 53-year-old from Anderston, who was dubbed the ‘Blackhill Butcher’, was previously described by officers as “dangerous”.
The death is being treated as unexplained and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Hamilton operated a network of teenage drug dealers and serially tortured anyone who crossed his path.
During his trial in 2000 it was heard Hamilton was a predatory homosexual who serially abducted young men and raped them at gunpoint.
One of Hamilton’s associates cut off a young man’s finger and tried to gouge his eye out with a spoon.
Two of his victims were stabbed in the face before being told to stand in a bath to avoid bleeding on the carpet.
A senior detective said at the time of his trial said: "He is one of the most evil men I have ever come across."
He was convicted of torture, assault, abduction and drug dealing and jailed for life with a nine-year minimum term.
Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: "My condolences go out to the family of Martin Hamilton, who have had to receive such devastating news so close to Christmas. A team of officers is dedicated to this inquiry, so we can seek to give them answers as quickly as possible.
"We are continuing to conduct examinations with various scientific experts to establish exactly when and how Mr Hamilton died, and to ensure any evidence available can be captured from the scene and from the remains themselves. Work will be ongoing at the site near West Calder for several more days whilst we complete further searches and specialists carry out their work, so the area will stay closed off and the B7105 will also remain closed."
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