Addict found stabbed had sought help from church

A man found stabbed to death in a north-east town-centre flat had turned to a local church to help him battle drug addiction.

Police launched a murder inquiry at Peterhead after the body of born-again Christian Martyn Stewart was discovered at a property in the town’s Maiden Street.

Officers confirmed that the 28-year-old’s death was being treated as suspicious.

Forensic officers carried out an examination of the flat yesterday, while police cordoned off a section of the town centre.

A 33-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the death. They are due to appear in private at Peterhead Sheriff Court today.

Police confirmed that a report had been sent to the procurator fiscal.

Mr Stewart was found dead at around 4pm on Sunday.

His parents, David and Isabella Stewart, were being comforted by family members and friends last night at their home in Fraserburgh’s Marconi Road.

Neighbours said Mr Stewart had not been seen at the family home for several months.

Last night, it emerged he had been battling a long-standing drug addiction and last year joined Peterhead’s Kairos Christian Outreach Centre in an effort to turn his life around.

Pastor Kath Wyllie, who leads the Blackhouse industrial estate-based group, said Mr Stewart attended regular-ly “to get back on his feet”.

She said: “He came along to us for quite some time and we did our best to help him, but we hadn't seen him for a long time.

“He was struggling with addiction and he had some other problems, but he was baptised really to try and turn his life around.”

Mrs Wyllie added: “He was really nice man and had really tried.

“I just got a message from him a couple of weeks ago and he kept apologising for not seeing us in so long. It really is so, so sad. He was a good person and my thoughts are with his family.

“People at the church will do anything we can to help them at this sad time.”

On his Bebo site, Mr Stewart said he became a member of the church in June 2008.

He also wrote that he was happiest when “I am with my family”.

Mr Stewart was known as a big fan of outdoor sports, including rock climbing, horse riding and abseiling. He also enjoyed horror and action films and the music of goth rocker Marilyn Manson.

Residents of Maiden Street, near Peterhead harbour, were shocked by the death.

One said: “You just don’t expect something like this to happen on your own doorstep. It’s sickening.”

Last night, local councillor Sam Coull said: “This is a very sad business and obviously all our thoughts are with this young man’s family.

“But it is a sad reflection of how the town has declined over the years.

“A few decades ago, this would have shocked the people of Peterhead to the core.

“But folk seem to be more upset by the inconvenience of the roads being closed off.”

Councillor Anne Allan added: “I am shocked to hear this. It is terrible news. I feel really sorry for the victim’s family.”

Police said last night that a section of Maiden Street, Love Lane and Errol Street would remain closed while the investigation continues.

A house in the town’s Cordiner Court was also closed as part of the probe.