A HIGH-RANKING police officer has described the murder of a man in Renton as "wicked" and "horrific".

Earlier on Friday, Gary Meikle was ordered to serve a minimum of 19 and a half years behind bars for the killing of Charles Wilson at a flat in Tontine Park on March 25 this year.

Meikle - whose lawyer said had no recollection or explanation for the brutal attack - attempted to cover up his crime by torching the flat.

Now, following Meikle's guilty plea and sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters of  Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team explained justice had been done.

She said: “I hope the conviction and sentencing of Meikle will bring some form of comfort to Charles Wilson’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with what happened to him.

"Our thoughts remain with them.

“Meikle has admitted to this wicked, horrific attack on a man in his own home and he’ll now face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank the public and local residents for their help and support throughout our investigation. This led to us being able to identify Meikle and bring him to justice."

Charles had known Meikle for around three years as his killer lived just a short distance away.

Charles was last seen by a friend who visited him the afternoon before the killing.

Meikle meantime had been at another man's home where he had taken alcohol, valium and smoked crack cocaine.

And, in the early hours of March 25, Meikle made his way to Charles' home where he ended his life.