Killer admits stabbing mum-of-three in Glasgow street attack

A serial criminal has admitted killing a mother in a fatal street attack in Glasgow.

James Paita, 42, stabbed Sandie Butler in the chest during an incident in Townhead, Glasgow, on October 29, 2024.

He then fled the scene, leaving others to get help for the dying 40-year-old.

Paita had been due to stand trial for murder this week at the High Court in Glasgow. He instead pled guilty on Wednesday via his KC Tony Graham to the reduced charge of culpable homicide.

It emerged Paita already had a string of convictions including for violence, weapons, disorder, drugs and breaching bail.

He remains behind bars and will be sentenced next month.

Mum-of-three Sandie was originally from Perthshire and had been living with her partner of 18 months in Townhead.

Sandie had first met Paita – known as “Jamsey” – only about two weeks prior to the killing. Paita had later been in contact with the victim’s partner.

Prosecutor Kath Harper KC said an arrangement was made to meet on the day of the killing near where they lived.

The couple initially caught up with Paita’s former co-accused James McCrindle and another man before the killer joined them.

Miss Harper said what was described as a “fight” between Sandie and McCrindle eventually broke out.

The mum’s partner and Paita then got into a confrontation. Both men were also said to be armed with a knife.

The advocate depute then explained: “After a minute or so, the four parties regrouped at their initial meeting point and appeared to continue to fight.

“It is unclear from CCTV footage exactly what was happening, but Sandie Butler and Paita can be seen moving together.

“Paita is seen to strike in her direction before moving away, followed by McCrindle.”

The mum managed to walk towards parked cars before stumbling and slumping to the ground.

The court heard that, in brief footage captured by nearby students, her partner was seen clutching a blade and standing over Sandie as he was beside another man.

He was then caught “rifling” through her pockets and handbag. He handed items to the male before fleeing the scene.

It was this other man and one of the students who instead dialled 999.

Police and paramedics arrived, but Sandie passed away in the ambulance. She was found to have suffered a stab wound to the chest.

It was concluded the attacker would have had to use a “severe degree of force” to inflict the fatal injury.

Paita was held at his partner’s home on November 7.

McCrindle had also faced the murder charge, but his not guilty plea was accepted by prosecutors.

Lady Anwar deferred sentencing for reports.

She told Paita: “You are no stranger to the courts. You have pled guilty to a very serious offence and are facing a significant custodial sentence. You will continue to be remanded meantime.”

Detective superintendent Lynsey Watters said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Sandie, and I hope that this conviction brings some kind of closure for them.

“A disturbance took place that day which ended with the death of Sandie.

“The kind of violent behaviour used by Paita is not acceptable in our society, and he will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank all officers involved in this investigation for their hard work and the local community for assistance during our enquiries.”