A Glasgow child killer pleaded for his freedom after 17 years behind bars for murdering a toddler.
Mark Bonini's bid was knocked back by the parole board earlier this month, who recommended he should stay locked up.
The brute is serving life for murdering little Andrew Morton in Garthamlock, who was just two when he was shot through the head with an airgun modified to give it more power, the Daily Record reports.
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He had been due to have a parole hearing just three days short of what would have been Andrew's 20th birthday in April this year, however, it was delayed until early July.
Bonini was ordered to serve at least 13 years before he could apply for parole after being sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow in August 2005.
Andrew's parents Sharon McMillan and Andy Morton have spoken of their relief that their little boy's killer will remain behind bars, and insist he should stay there.
Sharon, 51, said : "He murdered a child, little more than a baby. He should have got at least 25 years and even then he should have had to show remorse before getting out."
Andy added: "We got a letter from the board the other day saying that it had been recommended that he not be released. He can start the process of applying again early next year, and we'll always have the thought of his release hanging over us, but at least we can relax for the rest of the year."
The couple, who have six more children, will request the Parole Board for Scotland use new powers to stop Bonini moving back to Garthamlock when he is finally released.
Andy, 47, explained: "How is a father supposed to react when he sees the guy that murdered his baby? We can't be expected to have him back in our community. I don't want to see him, and I don't want Sharon or the kids to have to see him."
The family are frequent visitors to Andrew's grave, which is always decorated with lights and tributes. Andy added: "We talk to him, tell him we miss him."
The parole board does not comment on individual cases.
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