A security guard’s killer was found covered in blood and carrying a lethal weapon whilst on bail awaiting trial.
Billy Hay admitted carrying the knuckle blade in Holytown, Lanarkshire, last June.
Police officers spotted him in the street bleeding from a head wound and he claimed he had been attacked by two men.
Five months later, Hay was sentenced to six years for the culpable homicide of dad-of-four Mohammed Abu Sammour.
Jennifer McCabe, prosecuting, told a court yesterday: “Police officers searched him and found a knuckle blade in his trousers pocket. The accused said it was for self-defence.”
Hay, 20, and two other men killed Mohammed, 49, who was trying to stop them stealing his work van at a building site in Newarthill, Lanarkshire, in November 2018.
The Palestinian, who grew up in Jordan, was struck with weapons and stamped on before the vehicle was reversed over him.
He died in hospital with fractures to his skull, face and ribs. The van was found burnt out.
In October 2019, Scott Pearson was jailed for life for murder and jailed for at least 18 years. Ryan Hunter was given six years after he admitted culpable homicide.
Hay was charged in October 2020 and sentenced in November last year.
At Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday, defence agent Eddie Robertson said Hay has psychological issues and asked for a medical report before sentencing.
Sheriff Linda Nicolson adjourned the case, telling Hay: “Although you are presently serving a sentence, because of your age I require a criminal justice social work report before dealing with this case.”
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!