Paul Kelly: man jailed for stabbing popular Glasgow Big Issue vendor to death

A man has been jailed for at least 18 years for murdering a Big Issue vendor, the BBC reports.

Jason Cowan killed Paul Kelly in a 'violent attack' at the magazine vendor’s home address in Knightswood in June last year.

Paul, who worked at the publication for over a decade, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A memorial was held in Buchanan Street where he regularly stood to sell the magazine and tributes poured in for the well-known vendor.

Paul Kelly, who was killed in his own home in Glasgow in a 'violent attack.' Picture: Big Issue

Big Issue editor Paul McNamee was among those who paid tribute to Paul, 50, who was known for his easy-going style and catchphrase "don't be shy, give it a try," at his long term pitch in Glasgow's Buchanan Street and latterly in East Kilbride.

Mr McNamee commented on the news of Cowan’s arrest saying: “The murderer of our friend Paul was jailed for 18 years today (Tuesday 20 October).

"There is no feeling of anything positive at the news, but it provides an opportunity to remind everybody how kind and gentle a man Paul was.

"Thinking of his family now.”

Cowan, 47, was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow following a four-day trial.

At the time of Paul’s death, Detective Inspector Steven Elliot, of Police Scotland, said they were treating the vendor's death as murder.

He said: "A man has lost his life in what I can only describe as a very violent attack."

The Big Issue provides employment as vendors to those in poverty or at risk of homelessness.

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