Pensioner, 68, is to stand trial in 2028 accused of murdering mother in an Irvine park in 1994

Fraser Kilpatrick denied every charge at a virtual High Court in Glasgow hearing on Tuesday, including 15 further counts of rape and assault against adults and children. Prosecutors allege he struck Shona Stevens, 31, with a hammer in Bourtreehill Park on 10 November 1994. She died three days later, leaving daughter Candice, then just seven. His 17-day trial is set for 31 January 2028.

A child allegedly had boiling water thrown over them by Kilpatrick, while he is accused of holding flames against three others.

He was charged in July 2025, a year after a £20,000 Crimestoppers reward appeal.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the court: 'It is a case of some age.'