Police ScotlandA killer who had stabbed a man to death had been released from jail two weeks before the attack.
Mark Allison attacked Gary Handling on June 6, 2022, just weeks after he was released from a sentence that was not due to expire until February 2023.
The 25-year-old already had several convictions for violence as possession of an offensive weapon when he turned up outside his victim’s home in Stranraer on June 6, 2022.
Allison was convicted on murder on Tuesday following an appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
The court heard that Allison was released had been released from prison on May 20, 2022, just over two weeks before he attacked Mr Handling.
Jurors heard that the killer turned up outside Mr Handling’s house “with a score to settle” after an earlier incident.
Allison disputed claims made by the prosecutor adding that he had been out for “a random walk” and that it was “a coincidence” he ended up there.
The killer told the jury that Mr Handling, 33, had repeatedly struck him with a pole and had only then grabbed a blade which he alleged was in victim’s pocket.
Mr McKenna rubbished Allison claims stating the “raging” killer had “lured” the victim out of his home and “fatally stabbed” him.
The men were captured on CCTV outside on the street where Allison’s girlfriend can be seen trying to pull him away from his Mr Handling.
The advocate depute accused Allison of planning the attack ahead of time, saying: “Not only were you hoping for violence, you were planning for it.
Mr Handling’s heartbroken partner Leah, who he shared a son with, paid tribute to her “true love” on social media after his death.
She wrote: “I will never forget the memories and our boy will never forget you.
“His wee face lit up every time you walked in.”
Allison is currently in custody while the case was adjourned until March when he will face a life sentence.
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