Missing man faced serious charges

Tuesday, 9 May 2017 14:46

Two launched from Port Logan in Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday morning

Manx crews helped in massive sea search

It's emerged one of two men who went missing in the Irish Sea on Saturday was facing serious criminal charges.

Manx lifeboat crews helped in an extensive search of the water for 16 hours over the weekend.

The bodies were recovered off the Mull of Galloway coast on Sunday.

It's now emerged one of the men - 35-year-old Sandy Hamilton from North Lanarkshire - was due in court in July.

Crews from Peel and Ramsey joined a major search operation early on Sunday (7th May) morning to find Mr. Hamilton and his co-driver, 46-year-old Kevin McKinley.

They were reported missing after setting off from Port Logan, and failing to return.

The BBC is reporting he's accused of causing the deaths by dangerous driving of 85-year-old Giovanni Coppolaro, and his 83-year-old wife Maria, in Newhouse in July 2015.

Mr. Hamilton was due to stand trial in two months time - he was also accused of driving without insurance.

Police Scotland says it will continue to investigate what happened.