Airgun monster makes latest bid for freedom

THE family of a toddler murdered by an airgun killer have demanded he is kept behind bars after a new freedom bid.

- BY MARCELLO MEGA

Andrew Morton was just two when he was slain by Mark Bonini, who fired at him at random with a weapon he had modified to make it more powerful.

The tiny victim was in the arms of his big brother Brian, who was taking him to the shops in Easterhouse, Glasgow, when Bonini shot a pellet into his head.

Bonini, 48, was jailed for life in August 2005. He has now begged parole chiefs to be allowed out of prison to serve his sentence in the community.

Andrew's mum Sharon McMillan, 54, and dad Andy Morton, 51, have demanded that Bonini be kept behind bars ahead of a hearing on January 15.

They have written a heartbreaking letter to the board explaining why they believe Bonini - whose sentence carried a minimum detention period of just 13 years - is still not fit to be free.

The letter, sent by email on December 23, says: "Bonini knew us. We lived in the same area. He'd probably known us all his life. We knew many of the same people.

"Not once, before the trial, after his conviction or during the years he has spent in prison has he sent a message to say he is sorry.