Man facing life after admitting Carluke murder

A man was found lying in his blood stained Celtic top after being brutally murdered by his neighbour.

Paul Halley was stabbed 47 times by Quintus Montague at his flat in Carluke, South Lanarkshire last July.

The tragic 43 year-old was discovered the next morning by Montague's brother.

It emerged the thug turned up at a friend's house after the attack and casually stated: “Alright bro – I think I've just killed Paul. Alright if I stay?”

Montague now faces a life sentence after he today/yesterday pled guilty to a murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 34 year-old will learn the minimum he will spend behind bars next month.

The hearing was told Paul lived directly above Montague, who only moved there a month before the killing.

He stayed with his brother Marcus and his sibling's partner.

Paul had been at home on the day of the murder – July 28 – with two friends.

Explaining the lead up to the attack, prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “The three heard banging from the flat below them.

“One of the friends banged on the floor in response.”

Shortly after, Montague stormed up to Paul's door. The victim ignored pleas by his friends not to answer.

Mr Farrell: “Montague had his fist clenched and was holding a key between two of his fingers.

“Mr Halley shouted at him to leave, but he did not.”

Paul's two friends soon left leaving the pair alone in the flat.

The prosecutor went on: “At some point, the argument escalated into a physical confrontation.

“Montague picked up a knife and repeatedly struck Mr Halley causing his death.

“The murder weapon has never been found.”

The killer was later clocked fleeing and escaping over a fence.

He then turned up at a friend's home, confessed to the murder and was unsuccessful in trying to stay the night.

The court heard Montague's brother Marcus went to visit Paul the next morning.

The door was unlocked and he went to to find the victim lying on the sofa.

Mr Farrell: “He had a duvet over him and was wearing a Celtic top as well as boxer shorts.

“His top was heavily blood stained.”

Marcus Montague tried to help Paul, but it was clear he was already dead.

The court heard he suffered a total of 47 stab wounds mainly to the neck and chest.

Montague was initially quizzed by police and claimed he had not seen Paul for a number of days.

But, after later being charged with murder, he made no comment.

The court was told Montague already had a number of convictions for violence.

Judge Lord Armstrong deferred sentencing until July 17 in Edinburgh.