Airdrie murderer sentenced to a minimum of 18 years

A 29 year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 38 year-old in North Lanarkshire.

Today at the High Court in Edinburgh Scott Agnew was told he must serve a punishment part of at least 18 and a half years after being given a mandatory life term for the murder of Stewart Rexter in Airdrie.

The court heard that Agnew carried out the attack on the 3 November 2016 because of a debt that was owed to him.

Agnew had traced Stewart Rexter to a residential street in the town and assaulted his victim with a screwdriver, leaving him fatally injured. Stewart Rexter died of his injuries on 5 November.

The court also heard that he got rid of evidence by throwing the screwdriver from the window of his vehicle into bushes in Locks Street, Coatbridge. The screwdriver was never recovered.

Speaking following the sentencing, Nicky Patrick, Procurator Fiscal for Homicide and Major Crime, said: “Scott Agnew carried out a vicious and brutal attack with a screwdriver which led to his victim’s death.

"Showing no remorse he instead attempted to cover up his terrible act by disposing of the weapon. "Justice has been served with Agnew brought to account for this terrible crime and he now faces a substantial prison sentence."