A TOP QC has slammed the delay in sentencing a racist killer who cold-bloodedly executed a Bangledeshi waiter .

A TOP QC has slammed the delay in sentencing a racist killer who cold-bloodedly executed a Bangledeshi waiter .

It took 14 years for Michael Ross to be brought to justice.

But Donald Findlay QC yesterday told the High Court in Glasgow the postponement of his sentencing was "inhuman".

He said Ross, who was just 15 when he shot Shamsudden Mahmood in an Indian restaurant in Orkney, was under a "considerable burden" because of the hold-up.

The delay in sentencing Ross, 29, a sniper in the Black Watch, is due to the illness of trial judge Lord Hardie, who recently underwent minor heart surgery.

Mr Findlay said: "I have every sympathy for the trial judge and wish him nothing but well for his recovery."

"However, this is placing a considerable burden on Ross and an intolerable burden on his family.

"They realise a significant sentence is going to follow, but must know what is required in terms of that sentence."

He added he would try to have another judge sentence Ross if Lord Hardie is unwell when the case next calls in October.

Mr Findlay said: "It would be cruel and inhuman in terms of the panel and his family to suffer further delay."