North East drug binge murderer jailed for at least nineteen years

A young man has been given a life sentence with a minimum of nineteen years for murdering an innocent dad of two in Cuminestown

20-year-old Liam Hay had been taking cocaine and the former legal high M-CAT for five days before the attack last June

He smashed his way into Anthony McGladrigan's home while chasing another man stabbed him nine times.

Hay told police he couldn't remember anything - he's been given a life sentence today at the High Court in Glasgow.

On initially being charged with attempted murder, he said: “What? No way. Honestly?”

At one stage, Hay partied at his grandparents house while they were on holiday in Spain.

The property was just a short distance from Mr McGladrigan's family home.

Lady Stacey handed him a life sentence branding the killing as “shocking” and “incredible”.

She told Hay: “I suspect what you did makes no sense to anyone.

“I know that, by your actions, you have deprived Mr McGladrigan's family. He was a man who had much to offer.

“I know from statements from his family that he is sorely missed.

“Mr McGladrigan was the sort of person who tried to help others, if he could."

His family have released this statement today through Police Scotland:

"We would like to thank you for the outpouring of love, support and kind words about Anthony - reading these comments have been a huge comfort to us all and we are all very grateful for them. In the darkness of our grief they are the light at the end of our tunnel.

"It is quite overwhelming realising just how much Anthony affected everyone who met him; his pure, infectious love of life and laughter inspired us all - it's wonderful to know that we weren't the only ones. There are not enough words to capture just how amazing Anthony was, he was the best of men: honest and true, his passion for life knew no bounds - as a family we are so proud of him. He would do anything for you and would put his needs aside to help anyone; it is beyond tragic that this led to his death.

"Our sincerest thanks must go to the Police for their supreme diligence in the handling of this devastating event from the first call, to the gathering of every shred of evidence required to bring the case to justice. We would like to thank V.I.A and Victim Support both in Aberdeen and Glasgow, the kindness and immense support they have shown the whole family are truly appreciated. Everyone involved in this case has always shown tremendous professionalism whilst being so thoughtful and sensitive every step of the way.

"We are acutely aware that justice for Anthony can never be found but the dedication; commitment and every act of kindness and support shown, are in their way, a measure of justice for us all."

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