Man found guilty of Peterhead knife murder

A man has been found guilty of murder after stabbing another man to death in an Aberdeenshire town.

Luke Allan, 28, and Ethan Carlyle, 23, had denied pursuing and repeatedly striking Andrew Ross, 52, in Peterhead's Ives Road in February last year.

After a seven-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen, a jury found Allan unanimously guilty of murder. Carlyle was instead found guilty of a reduced charge of assault by a majority. Sentencing was deferred until later this year.

Relatives of the victim said his murder had "devastated" the family.

Judge Buchanan told Allan the only sentence the court could impose would be one of life imprisonment.

"But I require to consider what is an appropriate punishment part, specifying the number of years you require to spend in prison before you may be considered for release on licence," he said.

The two men had gone on trial last week.

Advocate depute Lindsey Dalziel, prosecuting for the Crown, told the jury that the Crown and the defence agreed police found Mr Ross lying on the road, unresponsive, and "bleeding heavily".

The court heard CPR was attempted, but was unsuccessful.

The jury was shown CCTV of the incident in question.

Det Con Kim Duncan, of Police Scotland, said it showed Mr Ross appearing to be struck several times by men who both looked to have an object in their right hand.

She said Allan could be seen using a "punching or stabbing motion".

And she said Carlyle also began to strike towards where Mr Ross was lying.

The jury had retired to begin their deliberations on Wednesday morning, and returned the verdicts on Thursday afternoon.

After the verdicts, the court heard Allan had a "significant" criminal record.

His co-accused Carlyle is a first offender.

Judge Buchanan told Carlyle he had been convicted of a serious offence, but that it was much less serious than the murder charge he originally faced.

Sentencing on both men was deferred until December.

The victim's mother, Cathy, said in a statement: "Andrew’s murder has devastated the whole family and everyone who knew him, especially his daughters who have lost a loving father.

"He always had a smile for everybody and was soft-hearted. We’ll never come to terms with what happened but are glad justice has been done and those responsible will face the consequences."

Det Insp James Callander, of Police Scotland, added: "Throughout the investigation and court process Allan and Carlyle have shown little remorse for their crimes.

"I hope these convictions give Mr Ross’ family some form of comfort as they continue to grieve their loss."