A TOP cop has insisted criminals will be brought to justice "no matter the length of time" following the sentencing of a killer who stabbed his second cousin to death before fleeing the country.

We earlier reported that Dean Ferguson, 30, was jailed for six years and four months today - more than five years after he knifed Billy Joe Bates during a confrontation in Milton in November 2018. 

He went on the run in Holland following the death of the 28-year-old until he was caught in May 2022 when he was extradited to Scotland.

Ferguson pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of culpable homicide - after previously being set to stand trial for murder. 

READ MORE: Man JAILED after stabbing Billy Joe Bates to death in Glasgow's Milton

Following his sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Billy Joe Bates.

“This was a long and complex investigation. The sentencing of Dean Ferguson highlights that no matter the length of time, we will relentlessly pursue those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.”

Meanwhile, Moria Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), added: “Dean Ferguson failed in an attempt to evade Scottish justice. He will now pay for his crimes by serving a lengthy period in prison after being convicted of a serious offence. 

“This case shows that justice does not stop at the border, and we will robustly use every avenue across multiple jurisdictions to bring criminals to justice in Scotland.  

 “We regularly collaborate across jurisdictional boundaries as part of our commitment to protect society from harm.”