Killer set to appeal sentence
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A local man who was jailed for at least 19 years after he murdered a father-of-two is to appeal against the sentence.
Liam Hay was on a five-day drugs binge when he killed 51-year-old Anthony McGladrigan during an incident near Cuminestown in June last year.
Mr McGladrigan had let one of Hay's friends take refuge in his home because he was being chased by the 20-year-old, but Hay forced his way into the house and stabbed Mr McGladrigan nine times.
The Appeal Court will hear the case on Thursday.
Hay was given a life sentence at the High Court in Glasgow in January after admitting murder.
At the trial, the judge, Lady Stacey, described the killing as "shocking" and "incredible".
She said: "Mr McGladrigan was the sort of person who tried to help others, if he could.
"He let your friend in and, in so doing, he ended up losing his life, as you followed.
"By your actions, you have deprived Mr McGladrigan's family.
"He was a man who had much to offer."
The court previously heard how farm worker Hay and friends had been bingeing on drink and drugs at various local places between June 21 and the day of the killing on June 26.
The appeal case will be heard by three judges at a hearing of the High Court of Justiciary on Thursday morning.
