Outcry after man to serve ten years for stabbing dad of three

Published on Wednesday 14 October 2009 22:19

FURY erupted yesterday when a man was jailed for life for the knife murder of a member of his extended family.

Philip Graham, 22, was ordered to serve at least ten years before he could apply for parole, and a woman in the public benches of the High Court in Edinburgh screamed "scumbag" at him as he was led from the dock.

Pauline Graham, his cousin and the partner of his victim, Mark Johnston, 31, shouted that Graham had given a life sentence to her and her children.

Graham, of West Pilton Terrace, Edinburgh, admitted murdering Mr Johnston, a father of three, outside his home in Haddington Place, Edinburgh, on 14 June by repeatedly stabbing him.

Earlier that night, following a family engagement party, Mr Johnston became involved in an argument with Graham's brother, whom he punched. Retribution was sought, and Graham attacked Mr Johnston in the street near his home. Mr Johnston managed to make it to his door and collapsed. He had suffered three stab wounds.

The defence counsel, Mark Stewart, QC, said Graham had been brought up in an environment where violence was used to settle disputes.

"He was not involved in the original incident and not interested in becoming involved, until others encouraged him," said Mr Stewart.