Man jailed for murder following prolonged assault

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for life for murdering a man in Fife in a "brutal and prolonged" assault.

At the High Court in Inverness, Christopher Brown was ordered to serve a minimum term of 13 years in prison for the murder of Henry White.

Mr White, 57, was repeatedly punched and kicked by Brown at a house in Oakley on 21 March before being dragged outside and left there.

Brown was previously found guilty in October following a trial.

The High Court in Edinburgh had heard how Brown was having a drink at the home of his then-girlfriend Leanne McKenzie when Mr White arrived at the house.

Ms McKenzie, 30, said Brown had gone for a bath and when he returned, he grabbed Mr White and said they were talking about him.

She said Brown elbowed the older man in the face "pretty hard" and Mr White was knocked unconscious.

When he became conscious again, she asked him to go home.

But she said the situation got worse and Mr White was hit again and fell to the floor.

Mr White was later found fatally wounded with multiple rib fractures, a collapsed lung and other injuries.

The court heard that Brown had 11 previous convictions, including an assault to injury and danger of life.

Judge Lady Hood said he had told the author of a pre-sentencing report that he did not intentionally murder Mr White.

"Whilst the report's author thought that you showed some remorse, you did not link your own behaviour to the death of someone you considered a friend," she said.

"Your conviction for this offence represents a significant increase in already serious offending behaviour."

Det Insp Kieran Marsh, of Police Scotland, said: “Brown will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope today’s result brings some comfort to Henry's family and friends who have shown great strength throughout this investigation and trial."