Man charged with murder after death of William Copeland in Hamilton

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A man has appeared in court charged over the murder of William Copeland in Hamilton. William Lewis also faces two other charges following Monday's incident.

As well as the 36-year-old's murder, Lewis is accused of the attempted murder of another man and he faces a third charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The 56-year-old was detained by detectives probing Copeland's death, and appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this afternoon, where he was remanded in custody.

He made no plea to the three charges against him during the private hearing, and the case against him was continued for prosecutors to investigate further.

Police were scrambled to the area around the town's Burnbank Centre on Monday afternoon amid reports two men had been injured in an altercation.

Ambulance crews attended and an as-yet-unidentified 59-year-old man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries as the area was locked down by officers.

Earlier today, following Lewis' arrest, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 56-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man and the attempted murder of another man in Hamilton.

"William Copeland, 36, and a 59-year-old man were found with serious injuries within the Burnbank Centre area of the town around 3.50pm on Monday, October 21 2024.

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"William Copeland died at the scene and the 59-year-old man was taken to hospital by ambulance. The 56-year-old man is due at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 23 October 2024 and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

"All road closures and restricted access to shops in the area have been lifted although a strong police presence will remain in the area."

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns at Lanarkshire CID said: "Our thoughts are with the families of those concerned as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

"We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area as we understand that this type of incident could be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community. Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to these officers."

Anyone with any information on the fatal incident should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2095 of October 21, 2024.

Tributes were paid to Copeland online following his death. One person, thought to be a relative wrote: "RIP William Copeland". They shared an image alongside the tribute and said: "Can I ask why the world is cruel".

Another person said: "It's so sad. Wullie was a good boy. It's a shame what that family's been through lately." No future court dates have been set.

But Lewis, of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire., is expected to make a second behind-closed-doors appearance in connection with the case next week.

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