A man has been convicted for the murder of his friend in Edinburgh’s New Town. Kieran Davies, aged 28, was found guilty of murdering 32-year-old Ashley Hawkins at Edinburgh High Court on Thursday and will be sentenced on 24 August.
The men, both from the Barry area of Wales, were staying at a flat in Scotland Street owned by a relative of Ashley’s.
Police were called to the property following a report of a disturbance being received from a neighbour around 5.30am on 2 December 2016.
Officers attended and forced entry to the locked flat, discovering the body of Ashley inside and Kieran Davies partially clothed and bloodied.
Enquiries established that Ashley died after being repeatedly stamped on, kicked and struck to the head and body with a hammer and a metal pole.
Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Davies continued to maintain his innocence throughout the investigation and trial, despite significant evidence of his guilt.
“When officers found him in the flat, he claimed to have no recollection of Ashley’s death and has given no explanation for why he took the life of a friend.
“Davies subjected Ashley to a brutal and sustained attack and we welcome this conviction. I hope this helps Ashley’s loved ones as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”
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