Police say murdered Forres grandma Patricia Bitters 'should have been safe in her own home'
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A senior police officer has described the murder of Patricia Bitters as "brutal and sustained attack on a woman who should have been safe in her own home".
The 84-year-old from Forres was found severely injured inside her house on Oystercatcher Close during Sunday, August 28 last year.
She was taken to Raigmore Hospital, where she died from her injuries six days later.
Scott McCulloch, the pensioner's 26-year-old grandson, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today to causing her death.
Detective Inspector Martyn Thomson said: "Patricia's family have been left absolutely devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.
"While this conviction can’t change what happened, I hope the outcome brings them at least a degree of closure.
"I would like to thank those who came forward with vital pieces of information that assisted with our inquiry. "Violence like this has no place in our society and will continue to work closely with our partners to bring perpetrators to justice."
McCulloch was sentenced to life in prison and told there will be no possibility of parole for at least the next 15 years.
The unemployed 26-year-old been living with his frail grandmother for around five years prior to the attack, caring for her needs.
Neighbours went to the property after they heard a man shouting and a woman screaming from inside.
When police arrived they found McCulloch heavily intoxicated and confused
A blood test carried out 12 hours after his arrest found he was still almost three times the drink driving limit.
Related article: Murderer Scott McCulloch jailed for life for killing his granny (84)
