Scottish man jailed for life after stabbing a stranger to death while on a manic drug binge

A man who murdered a stranger in his own home after a five-day drugs binge has been given a life sentence.
Liam Hay has been sentenced for life after stabbing a stranger nine timesLiam Hay has been sentenced for life after stabbing a stranger nine times
Liam Hay has been sentenced for life after stabbing a stranger nine times

Liam Hay, 20, chased a friend into Anthony McGladrigan's house in Greenness, near Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire, then turned on the homeowner and stabbed him nine times.

The 51-year-old died from his injuries in hospital after the attack on June 26 last year.

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Sentencing Hay at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lady Stacey said the murder was "shocking".

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Ordering him to spend at least 19 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole, she told him: "Mr McGladrigan let your friend in that night because he was the sort of person who tried to help others.

"In doing so he ended up losing his own life, because you followed your friend to the house and when you were not allowed in, you broke the window and got in."

She added: "What you did makes no sense to anyone. Your actions were, I am told, caused by your being very intoxicated by drugs and alcohol.

"That, of course, is no excuse. It may be an explanation for what would otherwise be incredible, but I emphasise it is no excuse."

Earlier, the court heard Hay and friends had been bingeing on drugs for days, ending up at his grandparent's remote home.

In the early hours he got into an argument with his friend, who ran to the nearest home for help - Mr McGladrigan's house.

Hay followed barefoot and swinging a baseball bat, smashed the door in and fatally stabbed Mr McGladrigan.The farm worker pleaded guilty to murder at an earlier hearing.

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Following the sentencing, David Green, procurator fiscal for major crime and homicide, said: "Liam Hay carried out a violent, unprovoked attack on a complete stranger in his own home."Anthony McGladrigan was an innocent man who had given refuge to someone who asked for help and his family have been left devastated by his death."

In a statement released via Police Scotland, Mr McGladrigan's family said: "It is quite overwhelming realising just how much Anthony affected everyone who met him; his pure, infectious love of life and laughter inspired us all - it's wonderful to know that we weren't the only ones.

"There are not enough words to capture just how amazing Anthony was, he was the best of men: honest and true, his passion for life knew no bounds - as a family we are so proud of him."He would do anything for you and would put his needs aside to help anyone; it is beyond tragic that this led to his death."

They added: "We are acutely aware that justice for Anthony can never be found but the dedication; commitment and every act of kindness and support shown, are in their way, a measure of justice for us all."