A man who killed an Aberdeen Boys’ Brigade leader as she sat eating her dinner is to remain in hospital for treatment.
Lam Beaton, 25, repeatedly stabbed Sherry Bruce at her flat in Aberdeen on April 3 last year.
The popular 58-year-old – who tried to fight off a silent Beaton – never survived the unprovoked attack, having suffered a total of nine wounds.
Former engineering student Beaton – also known as Thai Hoang – returned to the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
He had faced a murder charge at a hearing in late March, but he was acquitted after prosecutors accepted he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time.
Beaton is currently held at the State Hospital at Carstairs.
Order to remain in hospital
During the latest court appearance, Lord Doherty imposed a compulsion and restriction order for him to remain there for treatment.
The court earlier heard how Beaton lived near Sherry, who also worked as a pupil support assistant at a special needs school.
He was friends with Regraig Bruce, who stayed with mum Sherry.
Prosecutor Alan Cameron said: “Lam Beaton had been to the flat on several occasions. He had met Sherry Bruce more than once.
“There was no history of ill feeling between him and either Regraig or Sherry Bruce.”
‘She screamed and tried to fight him off’
Beaton visited the flat in Glenbervie Road on the afternoon of the killing and joined Regraig playing a games console.
Regraig’s mum Sherry later asked both if they wanted something to eat and she prepared dinner.
On being told it was ready, the pair joined her in the living room.
Mr Cameron then explained: “Regraig left the room to get their own food and then returned to sit on one of the sofas.
“At that time, Beaton got up and took his own plate to the kitchen. When he returned, he had a knife from the kitchen.
“Without saying anything, he approached Sherry Bruce where she sat, leaned over and repeatedly stabbed her with the knife.
“She screamed and tried to fight him off – but Beaton said nothing.”
Regraig pulled Beaton away as injured Sherry managed to get up to try and grab her attacker.
But, Beaton lashed out with the blade again also repeatedly striking Regraig during a struggle.
Mr Cameron: “Beaton placed Regraig Bruce in a headlock and compressed their neck.
“Sherry Bruce then collapsed in the doorway of the living room.”
Beaton soon asked for his trainers and then fled the scene.
Regraig dialled 999 and mercy crews arrived, but were unable to save Sherry.
Stabs wounds to her chest had caused her death.
Regraig needed hospital treatment for a collapsed lung having also been knifed.
Police traced Beaton to his flat in Aberdeen. He was later quizzed but made no comment.
‘Sherry Bruce’s family and friends are devastated’
The court heard a number of psychiatrists had prepared reports on Beaton and it was concluded he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time.
Mr Cameron said, as a result, it was accepted he was not “criminally responsible” for the attacks on Sherry and Regraig.
The advocate depute added: “Sherry Bruce’s family and friends are devastated by her death and the manner of it.”
The court heard on Wednesday how Beaton had been educated in Aberdeen and Vietnam.
He had latterly studied mechanical engineering and was described as “not an unintelligent person”.
One medic who has had dealings with Beaton said it was necessary for him to remain in hospital for “ongoing treatment”.
He added “recovery had not been achieved yet” and that he could continue to pose a danger to others.
Beaton may have been suffering from a mental disorder since 2020.
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