Killer jailed for 22 years for 'vicious' knife attack in Glasgow

A killer who stabbed a man to death in a vicious street attack smirked as he was jailed for more than 22 years.

Robert Letham pounced on Steven Russell in Glasgow's Possilpark in February this year.

The 32 year-old – who had been on bail at the time - was convicted of murder after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.

Sentencing had been adjourned until today – but Letham had told Judge Lady Rae: “Good luck getting me here.”

Despite his claims, the thug was back in the dock to be told he was receiving a life sentence.

It emerged Letham already had 46 previous convictions including several for violence.

Lady Rae locked him up for a minimum 22 years and three months.

The judge said: “You have been found guilty of what was described as a cold blooded, pre-meditated murder of a young man.

“Having heard the evidence and viewed the CCTV (of the incident), I would agree with that.

“This was a vicious and senseless attack.”

Letham, also of Possilpark, showed no remorse as he smiled while being lead handcuffed to the cells.

The incident was said to have occurred after Letham and Mr Russell argued over the phone about the killer's mum.

The thug then fled Glasgow for Somerset, where he was held before being hauled back to face justice.

Letham denied murder insisting he had been “scared” of the victim and had been forced to “lash out”.

Tony Graham QC, defending, said: “There has been a loss of life...for whatever reason, it must be endorsed by the court as a needless one.”

Letham was also convicted of assault, having a knife and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.