Man jailed for stabbing his lodger to death in flat

A man has been jailed for stabbing his lodger to death in Glasgow.

Eduard Maslov, 48, attacked Valerijs Litvins at the flat in Glasgow’s Parkhead on March 7, 2021.

The 45 year-old’s wounded and blood-stained body was discovered by police.

Maslov was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having been found guilty in July of the culpable homicide of Mr Litvins.

He had initially faced a murder allegation before being convicted of the reduced charge.

Maslov had claimed at trial that he had been acting in self defence.

Lord Colbeck said the killer had appeared to take “full responsibility” for the death and that he was aware Mr Litivins’ son had lost his father.

The judge went on: “Your account of it being accidental is self serving, seeks to minimize your involvement and is apportioning some blame to (Mr Litvins).”

Jurors earlier found Maslov shouted and swore at the victim, demanded that he leave his house and brandished a knife at him.

He then struggled with Mr Litvins before repeatedly stabbing him on the head and body.

The dad had been struck in the back, shoulder and arm.

After the killing, Maslov was quizzed by detectives and asked if he was “happy” Mr Litvins did not apparently pay rent regularly.

Maslov said: “He was a friend. I helped him out in situations like this.”

Maslov claimed Mr Litvins had gone out to a shop that day and returned badly hurt.

He stated in the interview he had only realised the victim was seriously injured when he saw “a lot of blood”.

Police later arrived to witness the grim scene at the flat in the city’s east end.

One officer told jurors: “I could see a male injured lying behind the door.

“I immediately formed the opinion that he was deceased and beyond medical help.

“Myself and my colleague checked for signs of life.

“However, it was clear due to the amount of blood and the condition (of Mr Litvins) that it would provide no benefit.”

Police also spotted a knife in the sink.

Maslov was asked what happened, but his response was described as “incoherent”.

Iain McSporran KC, defending, said: “Mr Litvins was a friend and someone he had offered shelter to.

“There was evidence that Mr Maslov, otherwise, had appeared to be a friendly and genial chap.

“Out of character or not, he has to suffer the consequences.”

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