Thurso murderer handed 17 years after "wrong choices" in life

A Thurso addict has been sentenced for taking the life of his friend over a £40 drug debt, although the court has heard how his life could have taken another path.

Paul Cannop took 32-year-old Paul Fairweather’s life after stabbing him following a confrontation at a house on the town's Holborn Avenue back in November.

Edinburgh High Court heard the murder took place just a day after the two men were seen arguing with each other over a drug debt.

Cannop inflicted a fatal blow on the left side of Mr Fairweather’s chest - the blow went through the sac around Mr Fairweather’s chest - cutting his pulmonary artery. Cannop claimed he acted in self defence - but jurors in Glasgow last month refused to believe his claims as he was convicted him of murder.

The 25-year-old's defence advocate Ronnie Renucci QC told the court that his client’s life had been ruined by his addiction to drugs. Cannop was a champion surfer who could have pursued a lucrative career in the sport.

Mr Renucci said of his client, 'He had been offered a sponsorship deal from a world wide company. However, he didn’t pursue the opportunity as he turned to drugs'

'He became subsequently addicted to drugs and has spent most of his adult life in a situation where he has to deal with that addiction'

Cannop, also of Thurso, was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of murder last month. Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain reports about his character.

A jury in Glasgow heard that at the time of the argument, Mr Fairweather had a tooth knocked out.

Hours later Cannop stabbed Mr Fairweather to death. At the time, Mr Fairweather was on the phone to his sister. She heard Cannop tell Mr Fairweather he owed him £40 and then heard a scuffle.

'He made the wrong decision that day and he has made a number of wrong choices throughout his life'

Mr Renucci told the court that his client appreciated that he was going to receive a life sentence for his crimes. But the advocate said that Cannop was determined to do his time and improve himself.

He added: 'He made the wrong decision that day and he has made a number of wrong choices throughout his life. He is now determined to change his future'

'He intends to use his time in prison to tackle his problems and make use of the programs available to him in order to tackle his addiction'

Passing sentence, Lord Woolman told Cannop that he’d serve at least 17 years before he’d become eligible for release.

Lord Woolman added: 'Mr Fairweather was only 32. The loss of his life has had devastating consequences for his family'

'You have previously been convicted of violent offences and spent time in prison. All attempts to steer you along a different course have failed'

'Balancing all these factors and exercising what clemency I can, I direct that you serve a minimum period of 17 years imprisonment'

• Thurso
• Caithness