Glasgow killer Mark Bonini pleads for release 17 years after murdering Andrew Morton

Mark Bonini is serving a life sentence for the murder of Andrew Morton in Garthamlock.

Andrew was just two years old when he was shot through the head with an airgun that drug-fuelled Bonini had adapted to make it more powerful. 

And earlier this month Bonini made a bid for release which was denied by the Parole Board of Scotland, the Daily Record reports. 

He had been due to have a parole hearing in April 2022, just three days short of what would have been Andrew's 20th birthday, but it was delayed.

READ MORE: The Glasgow airgun killer who murdered Easterhouse tot, 2, Andrew Morton

Bonini was ordered to serve at least 13 years before he could apply for parole after being sentenced at Glasgow's High Court in August 2005.

Now Andrew's parents Sharon McMillan and Andy Morton have spoken of their relief that their little boy's killer will remain behind bars, and they insist he should stay there.

Andrew Morton was murdered in 2005 (Image: Newsquest)

Sharon, 51, said: "He murdered a child, little more than a baby. He should have got at least 25 years and even then he should have had to show remorse before getting out."

Andy added: "We got a letter from the board the other day saying that it had been recommended that he not be released.

"He can start the process of applying again early next year, and we'll always have the thought of his release hanging over us, but at least we can relax for the rest of the year."

The couple plan to put in a request to the Parole Board for Scotland to use new powers to stop Bonini from moving back to Garthamlock when he is finally released.

Andy, 47, explained: "How is a father supposed to react when he sees the guy that murdered his baby?

"We can't be expected to have him back in our community. I don't want to see him, and I don't want Sharon or the kids to have to see him."

The parole board does not comment on individual cases.