Man handed life sentence for 'senseless' murder of vulnerable man

John Blyth was found guilty of the murder of Paul Smith at Craigmillar Castle Gardens on January 6, 2021.

John Blyth handed life sentence for ‘senseless’ murder of vulnerable man Paul Smith in Edinburgh Police Scotland

A man has been jailed for life for the murder of a vulnerable man at a flat in Edinburgh.

John Blyth was found guilty of the murder of Paul Smith at Craigmillar Castle Gardens on January 6, 2021.

The 56-year-old victim, who had serious underlying health problems, died four days after the attack which saw him slashed and stabbed in the neck.

Blyth, 47, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow where he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 13 years.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a brutal, senseless attack and John Blyth will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Whilst this sentencing cannot change what John Blyth did to Paul, I hope that it brings some kind of closure for Paul’s family and friends.

“I would also like to thank Paul’s family for their support throughout the investigation, as well as commend them for their strength and dignity throughout this ordeal.”

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