A man who brutally murdered an innocent dad after a five-day drugs binge has been locked up for at least 19 years.
Liam Hay stabbed Anthony McGladrigan nine times at the victim’s home in Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire last June.
The 20 year-old – described as “delusional” – had been chasing after a friend, who went to Mr McGladrigan’s house nearby for help.
Hay instead turned on the 51 year-old hotel worker who shouted to his wife Fiona: “Oh my god… I have been stabbed”.
Hay returned to the High Court in Glasgow today having earlier pled guilty to murder.
Lady Stacey handed him a life sentence branding the killing as “shocking” and “incredible”.
She told Hay: “I suspect what you did makes no sense to anyone.
“I know that, by your actions, you have deprived Mr McGladrigan’s family. He was a man who had much to offer.
“I know from statements from his family that he is sorely missed.
“Mr McGladrigan was the sort of person who tried to help others, if he could.
“He let your friend in and, in so doing, he ended up losing his life, as you followed.”
Hay’s QC, Ian Duguid, told the court: “His perception of what took place around him that night is entirely divorced from reality.”
Following his tragic death, Mr McGladrigan’s colleagues described him as “hugely well liked and always smiling”.
