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Man sentenced for murder of Anthony McGladrigan


By David Porter

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At the High Court in Glasgow today (Monday) Lady Stacey imposed a life sentence on Liam Hay with a punishment part of 19 years, after he pled guilty to the murder of Anthony McGladrigan.

Liam Hay, 20, had been chasing an individual who went to 51-year-old Anthony McGladrigan's house near Cuminestown for help.

Hay instead stabbed the father-of-two to death.

He admitted murder after the attack in June last year, and was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow.

Liam Hay was sentenced at the HIgh Court in Glasgow.
Liam Hay was sentenced at the HIgh Court in Glasgow.

On sentencing, Lady Stacey made the following statement in court: “Nothing that I can do or say in court this morning puts a value on Antony McGladrigan’s life.

"What you did that night was shocking.

"You have acknowledged that and on the last calling of the case and again today Mr Duguid apologised on your behalf.

"You have to live with that for the rest of your life.

"What you did makes no sense to anyone.

"Your actions were I am told caused by your being very intoxicated by drugs and alcohol.

"That of course is no excuse.

"It may be an explanation for what would otherwise be incredible but I emphasise it is no excuse.

"I know from the statements I have read from Mr McGladrigan’s family that by your actions you have deprived them of his society.

"That included his wife and his son and daughter and his parents.

"He had much to offer and I know from the statements I have read he will be sorely missed.

"He let your friend in that night because he was the sort of person who tried to help others.

"In doing so he ended up losing his own life, because you followed your friend to the house and when you were not allowed in you broke the window and got in.

"You are fortunate to come from a good family and you continue to have their support.

"While your schooling may not have been entirely plain sailing you have had the benefit of education.

"You should have known better than to go on a seven day binge of drugs and drink.

"The only sentence that I can by law impose is a life sentence and I do so now. I have to set a punishment part.

"It does not set the time which you must serve, rather it sets the time that must elapse before your release can be considered by others who will have to decide if it is safe to release you.

"In doing so I take into account your youth and the fact that you pled guilty at a preliminary hearing and so there was no trial.

"The punishment part which I fix is 19 years which will be backdated to June 28, 2019, the date in which you first appeared from custody.”

Police Scotland acknowledged the sentence imposed at the High Court in Glasgow and released a statement from Anthony's family which said: "We would like to thank you for the outpouring of love, support and kind words about Anthony - reading these comments have been a huge comfort to us all and we are all very grateful for them.

"In the darkness of our grief they are the light at the end of our tunnel.

"It is quite overwhelming realising just how much Anthony affected everyone who met him; his pure, infectious love of life and laughter inspired us all - it's wonderful to know that we weren't the only ones.

"There are not enough words to capture just how amazing Anthony was, he was the best of men: honest and true, his passion for life knew no bounds - as a family we are so proud of him.

"He would do anything for you and would put his needs aside to help anyone; it is beyond tragic that this led to his death.

They added: "Our sincerest thanks must go to the Police for their supreme diligence in the handling of this devastating event from the first call, to the gathering of every shred of evidence required to bring the case to justice.

"We would like to thank VIA and Victim Support both in Aberdeen and Glasgow, the kindness and immense support they have shown the whole family are truly appreciated.

"Everyone involved in this case has always shown tremendous professionalism whilst being so thoughtful and sensitive every step of the way.

"We are acutely aware that justice for Anthony can never be found but the dedication, commitment and every act of kindness and support shown, are in their way, a measure of justice for us all."


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