Suspect accused of murdering man after threatening to kill and dismember him

A suspect is accused of murdering a man amid claims he earlier threatened to kill and dismember him.

Chris Gates is charged with fatally attacking Alistair Brennan at a flat in Overtoun Court in Clydebank on October 17, 2024.

It is claimed the 28-year-old repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on Mr Brennan’s head and body.

He also allegedly pushed the 58-year-old, compressed his neck, as well as repeatedly struck him with a bat and what was described as “blunt instruments”.

The murder accusation also claims that other unknown “violence” was inflicted upon Mr Brennan.

Gates faces a further charge of attempting to defeat the course of justice.

This includes allegations that he told a 999 call handler and the police that Mr Brennan had taken ill and fallen in a bath at the flat, causing him to be hurt.

The indictment features earlier claims of Gates being violent and abusive to the man in the lead-up to the alleged killing.

One charge claims Gates attempted to murder Mr Brennan, including at his own home in Clydebank.

It included allegations of physical harm as well as an accusation that he stated his “wish to kill and dismember” Mr Brennan.

A separate charge claims Gates was also threatening and abusive to the man.

Among the claims are that Gates controlled Mr Brennan’s access to food, causing him to lose a “significant” amount of weight, demand money from him and record video footage, including while he was injured, before sharing it with others.

These two charges span from February 2024 to the day of the alleged murder.

A hearing occurred at the High Court in Glasgow.

Brian McConnachie KC, defending Gates, said: “He pleads not guilty to the indictment.”

Lord Renucci went on to fix a trial, and it is set to begin in November 2027 in Edinburgh.

The case could last around seven days.

In May this year, police reported how a 28-year-old had been arrested, more than 18 months after Mr Brennan’s alleged murder.