Man jailed for life over friend's murder in Glasgow

Paul Berry was found dead three days after he was attacked

A man who murdered his friend days after being released on bail has been sentenced to life in prison.

Christopher Howe, 38, punched and kicked Paul Berry, 46, to death in November 2022 at Mr Berry's home in Castlemilk, Glasgow.

Howe went on to send pictures to his own father of Mr Berry lying in a pool of blood and left the property without seeking any help.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Howe was told he will serve at least 17 years. He was convicted of the attack last month.

During sentencing, Lord Colbeck stated that Mr Berry had a fractured skull and broken nose and died from head injuries.

The court heard that Howe texted his partner following the attack, saying he had "done something wrong" and wanted to see her.

He also admitted via text: "I have murdered someone".

His father Charles Alexander gave evidence during the trial, stating his son had confessed to him he had done "a bad thing".

Mr Alexander told jurors: "He said that he thought the man was dead".

He also recalled being sent photos of the victim, which he deleted.

Mr Berry's body was found days after the fatal attack in his home after other friends raised the alarm.

Tony Graham KC, defending, said Howe had not denied being responsible for the death.

The advocate said the question for jurors was whether it was murder or the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

Lord Colbeck told Howe that he had been on three separate bail orders at the time - one imposed just eight days before the killing.

The judge added: "You said to the social worker [in a pre-sentencing report] that you could not recall events that led to the murder."

Howe already had previous convictions dating back to when he was 16.

These included for violence, disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.