'No regret' killer jailed for 22 years over knife murder

A man who said he had no regrets after stabbing an old school friend to death has been jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

Stephen Kelly, 29, attacked 31-year-old Chris McMahon at the victim's flat in Lanark on 4 October 2023.

He repeatedly stabbed father-of-two Mr McMahon in his neck and chest, hit him with a bottle and poured bleach into his mouth.

During sentencing at the High Court in Kilmarnock, Lady Hood called Kelly's actions "brutal, sustained and deadly".

Kelly had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow but pleaded guilty to murder through his KC Richard Goddard.

The killer, who already had a history of violence, was given a life sentence and will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail.

The court previously heard how neighbours of Mr McMahon had heard "arguing, banging and furniture being thrown about" on the night of the murder.

Prosecutor Wojciech Jajdelski said: "The noise calmed down after a loud scream, which sounded like one of fright.

"The whole incident lasted about 20 minutes."

About an hour later, Kelly called his cousin and said: "I think I have killed him."

Kelly was found by police the next day.

He made a number of remarks about his victim to officers, including: "I will do the 25 years.

"I do not regret it one bit. I put bleach in his mouth and everything when he was dead."

He later added: "I am guilty. Might as well just get it out the way."

Lady Hood said: "You inflicted stab wounds with a knife or similar instrument, struck him on the head with a bottle, and repeatedly stamped on his head causing blunt force trauma injuries.

"Disturbingly, you poured bleach or a similar substance into Mr McMahon's mouth – behaviour which you remain unable to explain.

"Although you admitted to the police after your murderous attack what you had done, you showed no remorse at all."

She added that since being jailed Kelly had accepted full responsibility for the attack which he now "deeply regrets".

Mr McMahon's family described him "as a loving man, with contagious energy, and a full life ahead of him"

The judge continued: "His family's extreme distress and grief is obvious, as they explain how their lives have been ripped apart. No sentence which I impose will be enough to help Christopher McMahon's family with their loss."

Det Ch Insp Campbell Jackson said: "Christopher's family has been left devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

"I hope this sentence brings at least a degree of closure for them."