Murder charge as mum and daughter bodies are found

Apr 17 2009 by Lisa Boyle

A TINY East Ayrshire community has been left stunned and devastated by the deaths of a mother and daughter.

And another neighbour in the tiny hamlet of Cronberry has been charged with their murder.

The bodies of Diane Fallon and her 10-year-old daughter Holly were found in Lugar, between Cumnock and Cronberry, last Wednesday.

Thomas Smith, 26, who lived in the same block as Diane and Holly has been charged with their murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Residents of Cronberry, which has only 32 houses have been horrified by the news.

Diane and Holly vanished after a fun day in Cronberry on Saturday, March 28, organised by Diane.

Police were notified by St John’s Primary in Cumnock when Holly failed to turn up.

This week, Graham Short, director of education for East Ayrshire council paid tribute to the popular little girl.

He said: “Holly was a valued member of a small rural school. She was bright, able and very well liked by pupils and staff alike.

“It was Holly’s teacher who first raised concerns regarding her absence from school. The head teacher of the school contacted colleagues in social services who immediately alerted Strathclyde Police.

“In such a small school, the roll is just 52, Holly’s death has been sorely felt.”

Mr Short went on to say that steps have already been taken to offer support to staff and pupils at the school.

He said: “The council has established procedures in place and educational psychologists and social workers will be on hand to help the children when they return to school.

“The school also has the support of a chaplain who will play a crucial role in helping our young people and our employees come to terms with their loss.

“The school will hold an assembly and parents will be invited to attend. Prayers will also be said for Holly and her mother.

He concluded: “On behalf of the whole of East Ayrshire council I would like to offer condolences to friends, family and indeed the local community who are mourning the loss of Holly and Diane Fallon.”

Dozens of floral tributes, cards and teddies have been laid outside Diane and Holly’s home and at the scene where their bodies were found.