Killer who cooked and ate finger of victim before torching flat jailed for life
During the trial, the High Court in Glasgow heard Gabriel Brown chopped off his victim's ring finger, cooked it and ate the severed digit.
A man who claimed he was possessed has been jailed for life after stabbing his stepmother's ex 22 times before eating his finger and torching his flat.
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Convicted sex offender Gabriel Brown killed Joseph Ernest Johnston, 58, at the victim's home in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, in November 2024.
Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency crews were called to the fire on Lady Street.
Brown, 35, had denied murder with a special defence that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time and believed he had been possessed by the spirit of 19th Century occultist Aleister Crowley.
The trial at the High Court in Glasgow heard Brown had chopped off his victim's ring finger, cooked it and ate the severed digit.
However, he was found guilty of murder and attempt to defeat the ends of justice back in July.
Brown - who had previously been jailed for offences involving young girls - was sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years on Friday.
Johnston had previously been in a relationship with Brown's stepmother, the court heard.
The former bouncer, who had been diagnosed with mental health issues as a teenager, had consumed alcohol and cannabis before going to Johnston's flat the night of the fatal attack.
It was previously heard Brown became violent and attacked Johnston with a knife before carving letters into his face.
He started fires in four areas of the home, including putting metal cutlery in the microwave, turning on cooker hobs and torching furniture. Brown was also said to have ripped out smoke alarms.
Fire crews were called to the scene the following morning and found Johnston's charred remains inside.
Brown was later found in his stepmother's attic where he was arrested ove the killing.
'Senseless and reckless'
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson, said: “Brown’s actions were completely senseless and reckless and led to the loss of Joseph’s life. He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.
“While this verdict does not change the outcome, I hope it brings Joseph’s family some form of comfort.
“Reckless and violent acts such as this will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”