Man admits stabbing Scots sailor to death

A MAN has admitted killing a Scottish sailor found stabbed to death in the Philippines and apologised to his family.

Anselmo Lacostales had been accused of murdering John MacDonald, 27, from Aberdeen, in an apartment in September 2010.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide at a court hearing in the capital, Manila, this week.

Mr MacDonald’s mother said yesterday she felt pity for the killer when he claimed he did not mean to kill her son, a second mate in the Merchant Navy.

Joanne MacDonald, of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, said: “I was told Anselmo bowed his head and said: ‘I’m sorry, I apologise, I never meant or planned for this to happen.’ He wanted me to know that.

“My lawyer never expected him to plead guilty, and certainly did not think he would apologise. It means a lot to me.

“I do not think he really meant to kill John. Part of me feels that he is a victim in this, too. His life is also ruined.”

Lacostales will be sentenced for the killing later. He faces up to 20 years in prison.