Two robbers who binged on drugs and alcohol and then killed a young man at a party have been locked up for a total of almost 19 years.
Scott Hector, 20, was stabbed to death at a home in Marischal Court, Aberdeen, on April 2 2021.
Sean O’Halloran, 20, admitted to the murder of Mr Hector and 18-year-old Conor Adams pled guilty to the lesser charge of culpable homicide.
Lord Armstrong imposed a life sentence on O’Halloran at the High Court in Glasgow and ordered him to serve a minimum of 11 years and eight months behind bars.
Adams was locked up for seven years and three months.
Both had no previous convictions before their victim’s death.
‘Devastating effect’ on family
Sentencing, Lord Armstrong told the pair: “I have read victim impact statements, the terms of which clearly indicate the profound and devastating effect caused by your actions.
“These are ongoing and will have a lasting effect. Nothing I can say or do can compensate the family’s loss.”
A previous hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh was told how the pair, both of Aberdeen, were driven to the house with O’Halloran discussing stealing from Mr Hector.
Both were seen armed with blades at the time.
Prosecutor David Dickson said: “O’Halloran was vocal and indicated, ‘If anyone is going to try anything with me – at least I have got this’.”
Speaking about the moments after the stabbing, Mr Dickson added: “Mr Hector was described as bursting into the kitchen where he fell to the floor.
“He was holding his side and was heard to say, ‘He’s just stabbed me’.”
Adams told O’Halloran he had gone ‘too far’
O’Halloran and Adams jumped back in the vehicle after the attack.
Adams told O’Halloran he had gone “too far” and added: “Why did you do that, lad?”
The murderer claimed it was “Scott’s fault” and that he should not have grabbed the knife.
The court heard how O’Halloran was quizzed by police after being held for the killing.
He claimed to have taken a cocktail of drink and drugs that day, insisting he couldn’t remember anything, as his head was “f*****”.
O’Halloran also said he did not want to “get anyone into trouble”.
Reacting to the killers’ prison sentences, Deborah Demick, Deputy Head of the National Homicide Team of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “We have heard from Scott’s family the devastating impact his murder has had on them.
“Sean O’Halloran and Conor Adams carried out a violent, unprovoked attack on Scott.
“The consequences of this crime on this family have been enormous, through no fault of Scott’s and our thoughts are with them.”
‘Tragic and needless loss’
Detective Chief Inspector Graham Smith, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team previously paid tribute to Mr Hector’s family.
He said: “Our thoughts are with Scott’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his tragic and needless loss.
“The family of Scott wishes to thank those who have supported them through this incredibly difficult time and have requested privacy.”
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