FORMER SOLDIER AND ENGINEER CONVICTED OF WIFE MURDER IN PAISLEY
Gary Brown, who previously served in the military and worked as an engineer for Scottish Power, was found guilty of the murder of his former partner, Alyson Watt, at her residence in Paisley last June.The court heard that Brown had stabbed Watt 42 times during a violent assault.
The attack reportedly occurred after their relationship had ended, with Brown having discovered a text message suggesting she had kissed another man months prior.
His defense lawyer described Brown as a 'very troubled individual,' citing issues stemming from his childhood and his service in the Falklands conflict.
Additionally, Brown attacked a 16-year-old boy living with Watt using a hammer, leaving the teenager with severe brain injuries that now require constant care.
During the trial, Watt managed to tell a neighbor before she died that Brown was responsible for her injuries and confirmed his involvement.
After fleeing the scene, Brown attempted to take his own life but was found in his car in southwest Scotland.
He denied the charge of murder, claiming an 'abnormality of the mind,' though he admitted to the attempted murder of the teenager.
The jury rejected a plea for a lesser charge of culpable homicide, and Brown received a lengthy prison sentence.
The judge described his actions as a 'savage' and 'brutal' crime, highlighting the fact that Watt was a vulnerable woman.
Brown’s prior conviction for a violent road rage incident was also referenced.
A former Scots Guard who served in the Falklands War, Brown was considered dangerous by police, who welcomed his conviction.
Sentencing in Edinburgh is scheduled for July 6.
