Anger as convicted murderer allowed to run village pub

A convicted killer has been given permission to run a village pub in Scotland, sparking protests from his victim’s relatives.

The Midlothian Licensing Board gave Paul Bootland the go-ahead to manage the Village Inn in Auchendinny, Midlothian, despite police objections.

The pub is located just a few miles from where Bootland’s gang gunned down David Dunn, 63, as he tried to stop their bank raid in Bonnyrig.

Dunn’s daughter Sheena McKenzie said she had no idea Bootland had been released from jail three years ago and was very angry Bootland had been granted permission to run the pub.

“Finding out about this decision has made us all very angry. Why should he get help to start a new life for himself? We haven’t had any help and my dad certainly won’t get that chance,” she said.

While police argued he was "not a fit and proper person" to hold a licence, Bootland said he had turned his life around since his conviction.

Bootland told the Scottish Sun: "It was a long time ago and it was a bad period in my life.

"When I was convicted that completely turned my life around. I did everything I was supposed to. I have tried my hardest to make up for what happened."

Licensing board member and Labour councillor Russell Imrie added that Bootland deserved a second chance.

"He served his time and he deserves a chance. We have heard he is popular with the people who come through the door and has had no trouble. I am happy to give a personal licence,” he said.

Bootland and his gang were jailed for 48 years in 1994.

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By Emma White

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