A man who murdered a Midlothian teenager in an attack in Gorebridge last year has been sentenced today.
Brian McHale (21), was sentenced to 15 years for the murder of 17-year-old Dale Bennett, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Dale, from Mayfield, was stabbed in a disturbance that happened in Newbyres Crescent in Gorebridge in the early hours of Saturday, February 12 2011.
He had been in the area with friends when a confrontation took place and he was stabbed in the chest. He was rushed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries.
Detective Inspector Jim Robertson, who led the investigation said: “We acknowledge today’s sentence and would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale’s family for their assistance during our enquiry and for the way they handled this entire ordeal with great dignity.
“Brian McHale has shown himself to be a cold and callous character who was happy to use a knife and then show no remorse for his actions.
“The local community have been of tremendous assistance to officers throughout the investigation and helped build a comprehensive case against McHale, who was found guilty of Dale’s murder as a result.”
Inspector Mike Bennett, Community Inspector for the Dalkeith area added “We understand that this will be a difficult time for many members of the Mayfield and Gorebridge communities, and we are ensuring our officers are accessible and visible in both areas to monitor and address any local concerns.”
“Lothian and Borders Police is committed to tackling knife crime throughout our various communities and work closely with partner agencies to remove dangerous weapons from our streets.
“Anyone found to be in possession of a knife or similar weapons will be robustly dealt with.”
