A killer has admitted murdering a father in what police described as a "senseless and entirely unprovoked attack" two years ago. Gary Nicol, a 50-year-old HGV driver, was attacked with a knife on Bankton Lane, Livingston, at around 2am on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday, nearly two years later, 25-year-old Connor Manners pleaded guilty to the murder at the High Court in Edinburgh. Following the court appearance, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team condemned Manners' actions, stating: "This was a senseless and entirely unprovoked attack which caused widespread shock and concern within the community. Manners will now rightly face the consequences of his violent actions."
Police and Family Reactions
DCI Pleasance added: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Gary at this difficult time. Nothing will ever make up for their devastating loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in seeing justice being done. This investigation involved a number of specialisms, including officers from the Major Investigation Team and local division, which resulted in prolonged police activity in the local area. I want to thank residents for their patience and support throughout our enquiries."
On the evening of the murder, police believe Gary drove to Bankton Lane in his black Ford Mondeo, arriving around midnight before being attacked. A murder investigation was launched, and a forensic tent was erected at the scene with a large police cordon in place.
Heartbreaking Tribute
Several days after Gary's death, his daughter Taylor paid a heart-wrenching tribute to her late father on Facebook on October 2, 2024, which would have been his 51st birthday. She wrote: "Today is your birthday dad which makes this time even more harder. I would like to think heaven has a pint of Tennent’s and a wee glass of dark rum and cola waiting for you."
Manners was arrested and charged with murder in October 2024. He has been remanded in custody and will return to the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, July 17, for sentencing. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "A man has been convicted of the murder of Gary Nicol in Livingston in September 2024. Connor Manners, 25, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, June 8. Following an extensive investigation, Connor Manners was arrested and charged with his murder. He is due to be sentenced on Friday, July 17, at the High Court in Glasgow."
