Police ScotlandA killer who murdered his friend just over a week after he had been freed on bail has been jailed for at least 17 years.
Christopher Howe, 38, punched and kicked Paul Berry to death – then sent his own father photos of the victim lying in a pool of blood.
Howe was jailed for life at the High Court in Glasgow having been convicted of the fatal attack on the 46 year-old last month.
The killing unfolded at Mr Berry’s home in the city’s Castlemilk on November 18, 2022.
The victim passed away after what was described as an “altercation” between the pair.
Howe left his friend without seeking any help.
He later told his partner that he had “done something wrong” and that he wanted to see her.
Howe also texted to admit: “I have murdered someone.”
His father gave evidence during the trial and recalled his son confessing to him that he had done “a bad thing”.
The 68-year-old told jurors: “He said that he thought the man was dead.”
He said Howe also sent him photos of the victim, which he deleted.
The court was told these were photographs of a stricken and injured Mr Berry.
It was days after the fatal attack that his body was found in his home after other friends raised the alarm.
Tony Graham KC, defending, said Howe had not denied being responsible for the death.
The advocate stated the question for jurors was whether it was murder or the lesser charge of culpable homicide.
Sentencing, Lord Colbeck told Howe that he had been on three separate bail orders at the time – one imposed just eight days before the killing.
The judge added: “You said to the social worker (in a pre-sentencing report) that you could not recall events that lead to the murder.”
But, Lord Colbeck stated Mr Berry had a fractured skull, broken nose and died from head injuries.
Howe already had previous convictions dating back to when he was 16.
These included for violence, disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
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