Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

CROWN OFFICE

10 November 2009

CHRISTOPHER MILLER CONVICTED OF RACIST MURDER

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Christopher Miller (DOB 09/10/84) was convicted of the racially aggravated murder of Kunal Mohanty in Glasgow on 27 March 2009. He was also convicted of a racially aggravated breach of the peace at a fast food takeaway shortly after the murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a punishment part of 18 years.

Speaking after the verdict, Lesley Thomson, Area Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin said:

"All murders are horrific; but this unprovoked, racist knife attack on Kunal Mohanty is absolutely shocking. Kunal Mohanty was doing nothing other than enjoying time off his studies with friends. He was attacked for no reason other than that Christopher Miller is a racist. He died because Christopher Miller had a knife and had no hesitation in using it."

"Racism has no place in our society; knife carriers have no place in our society; and people who act like Christopher Miller have no place in our society. Racism shows a fundamental disregard for the lives of others, and those who carry knives too often kill. This is why we as prosecutors do not hesitate in tackling these twin evils wherever they arise with robust action."

"Glasgow rightly celebrates its cultural diversity and everyone should be free to enjoy the city in safety. Together with the police, we will ensure those who pose a threat to this are brought to justice."

"I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kunal Mohanty. The conviction of Christopher Miller can do little to compensate them for their tragic loss. We can all, however, be sure that Christopher Miller is off the streets of Glasgow and facing a lengthy jail sentence."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. This case was investigated and prepared by the specialist Homicide Team in the Glasgow Procurator Fiscal's office. It was prosecuted by Dorothy Bain QC, the Principal Advocate Depute.

2. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service introduced robust guidance in relation to knife crime in 2006. In Stratclyde, between the guidance coming in to force in October 2006 and May 2009:

• 478 knife carriers were prosecuted on indictment rather than summary complaint, allowing a greater sentencing power for the judge
• Convictions were recorded in more than three quarters of all concluded cases
• 83% of those convicted were jailed.

3. In 2008-2009, 9 out of 10 of all racially aggravated crimes reported to the Procurator Fiscal resulted in court proceedings.

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