Life for killer of Big Issue seller over drugs

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 21:59

A MAN who murdered a Big Issue seller after a row over money for drugs has been jailed for life.

Due to the ferocity of the attack, Paul Clark must serve a minimum of 11 years and three months before being considered for release.

The High Court in Edinburgh had heard that he broke down before telling police he had got into an argument with Patrick McDade and "just snapped" after picking up a knife.

He spent the night at his victim's home after killing him, and covered the body with a blanket because he was "scared to look at him", the court was told. Mr McDade suffered 24 knife wounds.

Clark, 33, admitted murdering Mr McDade at the victim's home in Brown Constable Street, Dundee, on 17 January this year.

Advocate depute Iain McSporran had earlier told the court that both men used heroin and sold the Big Issue magazine on the streets of Dundee "partly to fund their addictions".

Sentencing Clark, Lord Brailsford said:

"This crime is yet another example of the tragedy and degradation brought upon individuals by the abuse of drugs."