Google MapsA man who boasted he’d committed a “first-degree murder” after killing a man has been jailed for life.
Christopher Lawson brutally attacked Steven Clark, 45, at the victim’s home in Maryhill, Glasgow, on October 13, 2019.
The 20-year-old choked Mr Clark before stabbing him with knives and scissors.
On Thursday, Lawson was ordered to serve at least 16 years and two months during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to murder during his trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Jurors heard that Lawson – while being held in Glasgow’s Govan police station on October 15, 2019 – made comments to police custody officer James Thompson.
Mr Thompson told prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “As we were walking, he stated he had had his last cigarette for the next 20 years.
“He said he had done a ‘first-degree murder’. He said he had ‘done it for his sister’ and that it ‘had to be done’.”
Mr Thompson initially thought the comments were “strange” as they were like something from an “American TV show”.
But, he immediately told investigating detectives after Lawson was put in his cell.
A neighbour of Mr Clark earlier told the trial how she had seen Lawson and another man yelling up at the victim’s window shortly before the murder.
The witness said the pair demanded to be let in and accused Mr Clark of owing money.
During the trial the court was shown photos of Mr Clark’s dead body lying in his home.
Lawson’s QC said the killer had “absolutely no recollection” surrounding the death.
But, Donald Findlay, defending, added Lawson realised during the trial that he must be responsible
Mr Findlay said: “He had no ill will towards Mr Clark.
“Mr Lawson said to his mum, ‘I can’t go through with the trial and the chance of being acquitted when I killed this man’.”
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