Man who killed war hero sentenced to life in jail

A man who stabbed and killed decorated war hero Paul McGee outside his Lochwinnoch home was jailed for life today.

• Paul McGee

Barry McGrory, 28, murdered Scots Guardsman Paul McGee, who had gone to the aid of a taxi driver who was being assaulted.

McGrory, who has previous convictions, was told he must spend at least 20 years behind bars before he will be considered for parole.

The 28-year-old soldier was stabbed repeatedly in McConnell Road, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, as he and his partner returned home from a night out with their mothers.

Mr McGee, who was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in 2008 for risking his life trying to save a fellow soldier in Iraq, died in his mother's arms on October 25 last year.

McGrory denied murder but was convicted of the crime after a two-week trial in Glasgow last month.

Passing sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh today, judge Lord Woolman said: "This was a senseless death caused by the use of a knife. This court will not tolerate the use of sharp weapons.

"Your terrible act that night led to the premature and violent death of Paul McGee.

"He had served his country and was a valuable member of society. He was entitled to look forward to the opportunities and experiences of the life that lay before him.

"You took that away from him, his family and his girlfriend. They speak eloquently of their devastation at his loss – it has profoundly affected every part of their lives."