A drunk teenager who murdered a stranger on a night out for his 18th birthday has been given a life sentence. Brian McKillop attacked James Britton as the 51 year-old was heading home in Rutherglen.
A judge heard how Mr Britton was repeatedly kicked and stamped on until he lost consciousness. The High Court in Glasgow previously heard how Mr Britton - who was nicknamed Moose by friends - was rushed to the city's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he died on November 4, 2021.
McKillop, now 19, was arrested at the scene and made a string of outbursts including: "Murder, man - I hope he is dead, but I hope he is alright at the same time." On Wednesday, at the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lord Beckett ordered McKillop, to be detained for life.
The judge had earlier heard from defence advocate Ronnie Renucci KC about how McKillop's memory of the attack was "hazy" due to him consuming drink and drugs. Mr Renucci said his client had gone on to express remorse and "deep regret" for his actions.
Passing sentence, Lord Beckett told McKillop - who observed proceedings via video link from the Young Offenders Institute in Polmont, Stirlingshire - that he would have to serve a minimum of 11 years and three months before he'd be eligible for parole.
He said: "I must make it clear that being under the influence of alcohol and drugs does not mitigate your crime. It is plain that this was a particularly brutal and cowardly assault which was carried out for a matter of minutes against a man who was soon rendered defenceless by your actions.
"His family are devastated by their loss. I have read a statement from his brother explaining the impact that his death has had on the family."
The story emerged when McKillop, of Rutherglen, pleaded guilty to the murder during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow last month. The sentence was deferred for a court-appointed social worker to investigate McKillop's background and provide the court with a report.
Prosecutor Kath Harper told how McKillop had spent that day with family and friends at a local pub celebrating his birthday. He later sent his sister a message at 11.21pm that night stating he was now home and "bored".
But, around 30 minutes later, he was out in Farmeloan Road, Rutherglen assaulting Mr Britton. Miss Harper told Lord Beckett: "James Britton was kicked and stamped upon by McKillop in an apparently unprovoked and random attack."
A number of horrified motorists clocked what was happening. One shouted to her husband: "Oh my God, he's getting a kicking."
McKillop, also of Rutherglen, was seen standing over his stricken victim who was on the ground. He was further spotted rifling through Mr Britton's plastic bag.
The couple got out to help Mr Britton as police arrived to hold McKillop. Other comments the thug made at the scene included: "I am getting seven years for this. I've wasted half my life.
"I'll be honest when they interview me. No point in lying.
"Should have just let him walk on. Aye, I stamped on his head. He was also found with boxes of prescribed medication in the name of his victim."
Mr Britton was rushed to hospital - he had multiple skull and rib fractures, bleeding to the brain as well as injuries to his neck and lung. The court heard the victim's blood was found on McKillop's shoes and jeans.
On Wednesday, Mr Renucci told Lord Beckett that his client was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the assault. He also told the judge about what his client had told a social worker.
He added: "He has expressed deep regret and appears to have expressed genuine remorse for his actions. He is determined to make good us of his time in the prison system by taking adult education courses and any other opportunities that are presented to him."
Passing sentence, Lord Beckett said he had to take into account sentencing guidelines concerning young people which states that people under 25 are immature, but have a better chance of rehabilitation. The judge also said there was no guarantee that he'd be released once he had served 11 years and three months.
He added: "You are liable to detained for life. It will be for the parole board to determine when you should be released and you will be released once it is determined that you don't pose a risk to the safety of the public."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
