Father of murderers David and Ryan Hart joins his sons behind bars

Dec 24 2009 West Lothian Courier

THE father of murderers David and Ryan Hart has joined them behind bars after he was caught trying to smuggle drugs into Addiewell Prison.

William Hart was caught by security staff at the West Lothian prison trying to pass Diazepam tablets to son David at a visit to “calm his nerves”.

David Hart, 20, was given a life sentence in November for the brutal murder of Wishaw man Christopher Rooney.

He launched a sickening onslaught of violence on the defenceless 39-year-old, in the garden of his home — before callously returning inside to watch a comedy film with his friends.

Hart’s younger brother Ryan (19), was sent to Carstairs State Hospital, where he will be detained indefinitely for his part in the frenzied attack.

And at Livingston Sheriff Court last week their father, of Rannoch Drive, Wishaw, was sentenced to 20 days imprisonment for being in possession of the class C drug with intent to supply.

Senior fiscal depute Helen McCannell told the court Hart was seen to shake his son’s hand and then give him a cuddle when they met up on October 2.

“It was at this time security officers saw his son was in possession of a clear bag with blue tablets which turned out to be 320mg of Diazepam,” Ms McCannell said.

“At interview, he admitted taking the drugs into the prison and supplying them.

“In response to caution and charge he said: ‘I just thought he needed something to calm his nerves.’”

His solicitor, Glenn Fraser, told the court his client had not had his troubles to seek in recent years.

Fraser said:“He has one son in Carstairs and one in Addiewell, which has affected the whole family.

“It has been difficult for him to see where they have ended up.

“On this visit, he was asked to take his son some Valium. He said his son was anxious and not sleeping.

“He didn’t understand the seriousness and gravity of this offence. He has taken full responsibility for his actions.”

However, Sheriff Donald Muirhead said he had no option but to jail Hart for 20 days to send a message to the community.