Man given life sentence for brutal Renton murder
Gary Meikle inflicted at least 54 stab wounds on Charles Wilson in an attack branded "grotesque" by a judge
A murderer who torched his victim’s home after brutally attacking him in Renton will spend at least nineteen-and-a-half years behind bars.
Gary Meikle, 43, inflicted at least 54 stab wounds on Charles Wilson in an attack branded "grotesque" by a judge.
The 40 year-old's injuries were so bad that his grieving family was stopped from seeing his body to say their final farewell.
Killer claimed to have no memory of the attack, or why he did it
The High Court in Glasgow heard on Friday how Meikle did not remember and had no explanation for the killing at the flat in Tontine Park, Renton in West Dunbartonshire on March 25 this year.
Earlier that day he had drunk alcohol, taken valium and smoked crack cocaine.
The serial criminal has now been jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum 19 and a half years behind bars.
He pleaded guilty to charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Prosecutor Paul Kearney KC described Charles - known as Chic - as a "vulnerable individual".
He had a number of health issues including with his mobility. He weighed just eight stone at the time of his death.
Meikle admitted to the killing after he was arrested
Charles had known Meikle for around three years. The killer lived just a short distance away.
On his arrest on March 31st Meikle initially denied being involved and claimed he had only "briefly " visited the victim the day before leaving him "alive and well".
But, on later getting his fingerprints taken, he suddenly confessed: "Poor Chic. I do not know why you are bothering with this. I am going to plead guilty anyway."
Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “I hope the conviction and sentencing of Meikle will bring some form of comfort to Charles Wilson’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with what happened to him. Our thoughts remain with them.
"A wicked, horrific attack"
“Meikle has admitted to this wicked, horrific attack on a man in his own home and he’ll now face the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank the public and local residents for their help and support throughout our investigation. This led to us being able to identify Meikle and bring him to justice.”