Full Breakdown
Rutherglen Neighbour Murder: Claire Kilduff Pleads Guilty to Killing Ann Coll
5/19/2026, 12:50:38 AM
Murder Details and Plea
On a night shortly before Christmas 2023, 40-year-old Claire Kilduff entered the flat of her 61-year-old neighbour Ann Coll at Newfield Place, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. Kilduff struck Coll repeatedly with a hammer and stabbed her, causing severe head and neck injuries. She then called 999, reporting finding Coll “in a pool of blood.” She was breathless and crying during the call. Kilduff pleaded guilty at Glasgow High Court; the case was adjourned for sentencing and she remains in custody.
Background and Motive
Prosecutor Gavin Dewar said Kilduff was “financially embarrassed” and owed money. Earlier that evening she accessed Coll’s banking app and transferred £320 to her own account. Though the women were friends who walked their dogs together, the financial motive appears to have driven the attack. Kilduff had previously blamed another woman for the killing.
Key Individuals
Claire Kilduff, 40, was the neighbour and perpetrator. Ann Coll, 61, lived alone with her dog Lola, received benefits, and was targeted for her bank account. The two women were friends who regularly walked their dogs together. Prosecutor Gavin Dewar presented the case, and Lord Arthurson presided as judge.
Timeline
Between 19:30 and 00:50 on 30 December 2023, Kilduff transferred £320 and attacked Coll. She called 999 shortly after, reporting a pool of blood. Days later she was charged, appeared at Glasgow High Court, pleaded guilty, and the judge adjourned the case for sentencing.
Quantitative Details
Age of perpetrator: 40; Age of victim: 61; Amount stolen: £320; Timeframe of assault: Approximately 19:30 to 00:50; Location: Newfield Place, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.
Legal and Community Implications
The case involved a financial motive and the unauthorized use of the victim’s banking app, showing how personal relationships can facilitate financial fraud.
Official Court Statements
Prosecutor Gavin Dewar stressed the premeditated financial motive, citing Kilduff’s use of Coll’s banking app. Judge Lord Arthurson, after accepting the guilty plea, adjourned the case to set a custodial sentence, underscoring the court’s view of the combined fraud and homicide.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kilduff repeatedly struck Ann Coll with a hammer causing extensive blunt force trauma injuries to the head and neck.” — Gavin Dewar, Prosecutor
- “The blows caused extensive fractures to Ann Coll's skull.” — Gavin Dewar, Prosecutor
- “Kilduff repeatedly stabbed her with a knife.” — Gavin Dewar, Prosecutor
- “She said: "I have came up and found my neighbour in a pool of blood and she is not breathing.” — Claire Kilduff, 999 call
Outstanding Issues and Next Steps
Sentencing details remain pending, and the court has not released further information.
