Cousins William and David McMahon caught on CCTV brutally murdering Christopher McGhee jailed

Two cousins caught on CCTV brutally murdering a man have been given a life sentence.

William McMahon, 47, and David McMahon, 41, teamed up to attack Christopher McGee leaving the 36 year-old unconscious.

William initially punched the victim before David smacked him with a glass bottle.

As a defenceless Mr McGee lay stricken, the older cousin kicked him “like a football”.

Mr McGee passed away in hospital days after the attack outside a house in Hamilton, Lanarkshire on November 5 2021.

The McMahons had denied murder during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, but jurors convicted both of the charge.

William was jailed for a minimum of 15 years and six months while David – who had a worse criminal record – was caged for 16 years.

Judge Lord Young said: “You showed no compassion or concern while he lay there.

“David McMahon was waiting for an opportunity to attack Mr McGee but the evidence did not explore that.

“I will sentence you on the basis that this was not a pre-planned attack but an alcohol based disagreement.

“I have read victim impact statements from Mr McGee’s mother and partner which made clear how much his death has affected the lives of those who knew him.

“He provided a high level of support to his family members and his children who have to come to terms with losing him to a senseless and violent attack.”

Christopher McCallum McGee was attacked on Friday November 5 and died the following Monday in hospital. Police Scotland

The trial heard how the men had been with others outside the house before violence erupted.

The McMahons were said to have exchanged a knowing wink before turning on Mr McGee.

William punched the victim as David lurked nearby in possession of a bottle to “have his cousin’s back”.

Prosecutor Eilidh Robertson told jurors that David then “upped the ante” by striking Mr McGee with the weapon.

The victim was felled and knocked out cold. William then continued by kicking Mr McGee on the head and body.

One witness said: “It sounded like hard kicks – like you would with a football.”

Mr McGee – who also had blood coming from his mouth – was given CPR by a resident before he was rushed to hospital.

He was found to have brain damage. Mr McGee never recovered and passed away on November 8 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

After the attack, David was said to have told his partner that he “did not care if he went to jail”.

In her closing speech, Ms Robertson stated: “You may think that comment is a telling insight into his state of mind.”

He also remarked that he had “waited years for this”.

Ms Robertson said both McMahons contributed to the violent death.

She told jurors they did not care “if Christopher McGhee lived or died”.

Describing their behaviour after the attack, the advocate depute stated: “Were they giving him CPR, checking for a pulse or to see if he was breathing? No. Did they call 999? No.”

Michael Anderson KC, defending William, told the sentencing that his client has no recollection of the incident.

He said: “My client was friends with the victim for a considerable period of time.

“He recognises that alcohol isn’t a mitigating factor but is a reality in this case.”

Donald Findlay KC, defending David, stated: “For whatever reason he became involved in it and struck the initial blow.

“It knocked Mr McGee to the ground but it was not fatal and was never going to be fatal as we know from the post mortem that it caused no injury of any kind.”

As the two men were led to the cells, members of Mr McGee’s family and friends clapped and applauded.

Shouts were heard of “scummy rats” and “We’ve got justice”.