A man who killed two elderly neighbours in Argyll and claimed: “This is the best day I’ve ever had,” was yesterday ordered to be detained at the State Hospital without limit of time.
Oskars Rancevs, 33, who was a reality TV star in his native Latvia, was suffering from biopolar affective disorder when he launched a horrific attack on 73-year-old Martyn Smith and John Whyte, 75, at Oban’s Columba Court on October 1, 2018.
At Glasgow High Court judge Lady Rae told Rancevs: “This is a very tragic case. You are a serious risk to the public.
Tap-dancing TV star kicked and stamped pensioner pair to death
“I have no option but to impose a compulsion and restriction order on you.”
Rancevs will only be released when he is no longer considered a serious risk to the public.
Psychiatrist Dr John Patrick from the State Hospital told the court that the measures were necessary and said Rancevs gave the impression of ‘being ‘haughty and dismissive” and added: ‘That part of his personality needs to be treated,
Dr Patrick added: “Prior to the tragic incidents he had stopped taking treatment and there was harm to himself and to others.
“Due to the risk he poses it is necessary to protect the public. His violence is entirely driven by his illness. When well he is not physically challenging.”
Professional dancer Rancevs was cleared of murdering ex-SAS soldier Mr Smith and killing Mr Whyte, because he was suffering from mental illness at the time.
In the lead up to the killings a number of people expressed concerns to the authorities about Rancevs, who had behaved erratically in a church, a public house and at a cinema.
Mr Smith had previously complained about Rancevs putting the wrong rubbish in the bin.
Rancevs approached Mr Smith at 9.30am as he stood talking to Mr Whyte, threw rubbish at him and pushed him.
Mr Smith fell and as he tried to get back up, 6ft 1ins Rancevs kicked him on the head and jumped on his chest.
As Mr Smith tried to crawl away, Rancevs dragged him between two parked cars, climbed on to the bonnet of one of the cars and jumped on top of Mr Smith,
He threw more rubbish over Mr Smith as he lay dying.
Rancevs also kicked Mr Whyte on the stomach twice. Mr Whyte dialled 999 and returned to his flat – but the conversation ended with gurgling and heavy breathing.
It was not until 8.10pm that police forced entry to Mr Whyte’s flat and found him dead with his phone in his hand.
Mr Smith died from blunt force trauma and had multiple rib fractures and a fractured breastbone.
Mr Whyte, who had long-standing heart disease and high blood pressure, died from cardiac arrest caused by stress.
