Drug binge lead to fatal incident
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A man on a five-day drugs binge has admitted murdering an innocent father in his home in Aberdeenshire.
Liam Hay, 20, stabbed Anthony McGladrigan, 51, in Greeness near Cuminestown in June.
He had been chasing someone, who went to Mr McGladrigan's house for help.
Hay instead turned on Mr McGladrigan.
Today Hay admitted murder at the High Court in Glasgow and sentence was deferred by Lady Stacey for background reports until next month.
Police Scotland welcomed today’s conviction of Liam Hay for the murder of Anthony McGladrigan.
Detective Inspector Gary Winter, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Anthony’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his tragic and needless loss.
“Anthony was murdered in his own home having offered refuge to Austin Smith who was being pursued by Liam Hay.
"After helping Austin Smith, Liam Hay attended at the back door with a baseball bat but was refused entry by Anthony, as he protected not only Austin Smith, but his own family within.
"Liam Hay then forced entry to the back door using the baseball bat and was confronted by Anthony.
"During this confrontation Liam Hay has repeatedly stabbed Anthony causing fatal injuries.
“The consumption of drugs by Liam Hay has been indicated as a contributory factor in Anthony’s murder, however if you have voluntarily consumed drugs you are accountable for your own actions and conduct, no matter how catastrophic they may be."
