Published: Wednesday, 23rd April, 2008 10:00
Murderer’s secret affair with cousin
By Court reporter
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RELATIVE: Katherine Hutchison
A CONVICTED murderer went on the run while on a home visit from jail — to continue a secret affair with a relative.
Peter Connelly had been escorted from Shotts Prison to the house of his wife Phyllis in February this year for a visit.
But the 37-year-old managed to escape from guards after sneaking out of a bathroom window.
The accused was eventually found days later at the home of his 23-year-old second cousin Katherine Hutchinson, who Connelly had started a relationship with behind his wife’s back.
Connelly — jailed for life for the murder of a gay church worker in 1989 — has now started divorce proceedings from behind bars so he can be with his new lover when he is released.
Reliance guards had taken the thug to his wife’s home in Glasgow, on February 8.
Connelly — who was not handcuffed — was allowed to go to the toilet minutes after arriving at the house.
Glasgow Sheriff Court was last week told that a short time later, Mrs Connelly shouted to the guards: “I think that he is away”.
Police were immediately informed and efforts were made to catch Connelly.
Two days later, police received a bizarre telephone call from his cousin, Katherine.
Willie MacKay, prosecuting, told the court: “She indicated that she had heard a rumour that Connelly was in her company and that this was not true.
“However, police thought that they could hear the accused in the background and this caused them to go to the address.”
Officers went to Katherine’s flat in Jedworth Avenue, Drumchapel, and spotted Connelly going into the building.
But eagle-eyed Connelly spotted them and tried to escape into a garden, but was soon caught.
A black handled kitchen knife was then found in the waistband of his trousers.
Connelly was eventually returned to Shotts and placed in solitary confinement.
His solicitor revealed in court that Katherine was the new woman in his life.
Angela Mullane, defending, said: “He has indicated to his wife that he wants a divorce and civil proceedings have began.
“His cousin is his current partner.”
Sheriff Kenneth Mitchell sentenced Connelly to 28 months after he admitted to the escape and possession of an offensive weapon.
Connelly smiled and winked to Katherine — who was sitting in the public gallery — as he was lead back to the cells.
He was a teenager when he was jailed for life in 1989 for the murder of former monk Walter Webb at his flat.
Connelly was eventually released, but was soon back behind bars after being convicted of another serious assault.
Katherine — who spent four years in jail for serious assault — has spoken out since her lover was jailed, revealing that her three days with Connelly “were the best days of her life”.
She claims Connelly — who is her dad’s cousin — is a “gentleman”.
The couple met after becoming penpals whilst both were in prison and their illicit affair began after Katherine was released from jail.
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