Bio

Howard Wilson was born in 1938. He grew up in a time when Scotland was facing many social changes. As a young man, he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. He joined the police force and served for about ten years. Wilson likely started with high hopes, aiming to rise through the ranks of the police department.

However, his career did not go as planned. He became disillusioned and eventually resigned. After leaving the force, Wilson tried his hand at business. He opened two greengrocer shops in Glasgow. Unfortunately, those businesses were not successful. By 1969, he found himself in financial trouble and desperate for money.

Wilson teamed up with some acquaintances to rob a bank. Among them were Ian Donaldson and John Sim, both of whom had experience in law enforcement. They gathered the necessary tools and developed a plan. They had previously robbed a different bank and earned a good sum of money. However, their luck did not last long, and they soon needed more funds.

Before the robbery that would change everything, Wilson had another partner, Archibald McGeachie, who was meant to help with the getaway. But just days before the Clydesdale Bank robbery, McGeachie disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

On December 30, 1969, the group executed their plan and robbed the bank. After the heist, they returned to Wilson's flat to divide the money. Wilson was recognized by a former colleague, Inspector Andrew Hyslop, who noticed something suspicious about their behavior. This led to a confrontation that ended tragically. Wilson's choices in his early life would ultimately lead him down a very dark path.

Murder Story

On December 30, 1969, Howard Wilson and two accomplices robbed the Clydesdale Bank on Bridge Street in Linwood, Glasgow. They locked the bank staff inside and escaped with £14,000. After the robbery, they returned to Wilson's flat on Allison Street to divide the stolen money. However, Inspector Andrew Hyslop, who recognized Wilson as a former police officer, became suspicious of their behavior. He called for backup, and several officers arrived shortly after.

As the police entered the flat and began to search it, Wilson pulled out a gun. He shot Inspector Hyslop at close range in the face. Before anyone could stop him, he also shot and killed Detective Constable Angus Mackenzie and fatally injured PC Edward Barnett. Another officer, who was present, survived after being able to find refuge.

Wilson and his accomplices were arrested at the scene. In February 1970, he pleaded guilty to the murders during his trial. He was sentenced to life in prison. Wilson's actions shocked the public, as he was a former police officer who had turned against fellow officers. He would spend 33 years in prison before being released on September 30, 2002.