Surjit Singh Chhokar murderer convicted under double jeopardy rules

At a trial in 1999, Mr Coulter, 48, from Wishaw was acquitted of murdering the 32-year-old Indian waiter in Overtown, North Lanarkshire.

Under the 2011 act, however, the Crown was given permission to bring a second prosecution.

The jury deliberated for 10 hours before reaching the majority verdict, following a four-week trial.

Mr Coulter faces a mandatory life sentence for the killing.

After the original trial and later acquittals of Andrew and David Montgomery, two official inquiries were ordered into the murder.

The then Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC, said the family of Mr Chhokar had been failed by the Crown and the police.

A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “We welcome the decision of the jury and the fact that this means someone has now been convicted for the appalling murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar in 1998.

“We would like to pay tribute to his family who have behaved with great courage and dignity throughout their long wait to see someone found guilty of his murder.

“As a result of this case, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has transformed the way it deals with allegations of racial crimes including a complete review of how we manage High Court business and significant improvements to the way we communicate with relatives.”

Lord Matthews deferred sentencing until 31 October.

Image: By Source, Fair use.