Ex-soldier who inflicted 58 wounds on friend guilty of his death

A FORMER soldier who danced with the Queen at Balmoral was yesterday convicted of killing a friend.

At the High Court in Glasgow, 40-year-old Brian Lindsay was found guilty of the culpable homicide of 48-year-old Andrew Campbell on 14 December last year at Abbotsford Avenue, Larkhall. He was on trial for murder, but was convicted of the reduced charge.

A spokesman said: "During his time in the army, Lindsay was part of the Queen's guard at Balmoral and danced with her there."

Both men had gone to Lindsay's home for a nightcap after a night out. Mr Campbell was violently attacked after wrongly accusing Lindsay of stealing 400 from him.

He suffered 58 wounds in the beating inflicted on him by Lindsay.

The court heard that he believed Lindsay had taken his wallet containing the cash, but it was in his back pocket all the time.

Mr Campbell was repeatedly punched on the head and body, forced to the ground and repeatedly punched to the head and had his head struck off the floor, the court heard.

The court heard that Lindsay has three minor convictions, and judge Lord Brodie called for background reports and will sentence him next month at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Mr Graham said: "From my first consultation with Mr Lindsay he was prepared to accept his culpability to killing Mr Campbell, although he always denied murdering him.

"I'm asked by Mr Lindsay to offer his sorrow for the devastation he has caused to the lives of Mr Campbell's family.

"He realises that may be of little comfort, but that is all he has to offer."