Two men have been convicted in connection with the murder of a man whose body was dumped in a park near a children’s play area and set on fire. 

Jude McPhie, 42, fatally attacked William Leiper, 31, in Glasgow’s Pollok in August 2021.

Mr Leiper’s body was then taken to Househill Park, where it was torched.

The charred remains were discovered on the morning of 4 August.

On Monday at the High Court in Glasgow, McPhie admitted murdering Mr Leiper.

Accomplice Christopher O’Reilly, 27, pleaded guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice following the killing.

Detective Inspector Suzanne McNulty, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This was a particularly brutal attack and those responsible tried to cover up what they had done by burning Mr Leiper’s body.

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“It was left in the park opposite a children’s play area and in view of nearby homes.

“These men will now face the consequences of their actions.”

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The case was adjourned with McPhie and O’Reilly remanded in custody pending sentencing.

DI McNulty said “incidents like this are rare” and it took a “considerable amount of investigation work” to bring the pair to court.

She thanked all those who assisted with enquiries, adding: “Our thoughts are with Mr Leiper’s family at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Nothing can change what happened but I hope this conviction brings a degree of closure for relatives and friends.”

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