Grieving father is left with 'nothing'

THE father of a man killed just three months after the death of his mother has told police: "I have nothing."

• Brian Lawrie died after being punched to the ground by David Malcolm

Ex-Royal Marine David Malcolm struck Brian Lawrie a single, fatal blow after claiming the victim was giving him "cheek". Mr Lawrie, 22, fell to the ground and hit the back of his head after the confrontation outside a social club.

He suffered a fractured skull and brain haemorrhages and died more than a fortnight later.

Advocate depute Martin Macari said Malcolm, 29, later told police that "he had never wanted to hurt Lawrie".

Mr Lawrie, 22, of Stoneybank Drive, Musselburgh, had been out socialising for one of the first times since the death of his mother, Karen, two months earlier which had hit him very hard, the High Court in Edinburgh heard. Malcolm, of Miners Walk, Dalkeith, admitted the culpable homicide of Mr Lawrie by assaulting him at the Wiremill Social Club, in Balcarres Road, Musselburgh, on February 21 last year.

Outside court yesterday, Mr Macari said that the victim's father had indicated that the family has been hit hard by the death, especially as it was so close to that of the mother.

He said: "He was devastated. He told the police that 'the first thing I had in the world has been taken from me. I have nothing'. He describes his son as his best friend with whom he did everything together."

Marketing firm employee Mr Lawrie had gone out with girlfriend Danielle Montgomery for drinks in Edinburgh and later got a taxi back to the club in Musselburgh.

Mr Lawrie remained at the door to have a cigarette. Malcolm was also near the entrance.

Mr Macari said: "There appeared to have been ongoing ill feeling as Mr Lawrie believed that the accused owed him money. The accused denied this was the case."

CCTV footage showed an argument between the pair before the fatal punch was delivered. Malcolm later told officers: "I never meant to hit him to that extent."

Mr Lawrie remained in hospital but his condition began to deteriorate and by March 9 it was clear that there was nothing medical staff could do.

Following his death, Malcolm was detained in respect of culpable homicide. Defence solicitor advocate Richard Goddard said Malcolm felt "profound and genuine" remorse.

The judge, Lord Kinclaven, deferred sentence for the preparation of a background report and remanded him in custody.