SON WHO MURDERED FATHER IN DRUNKEN RAGE SENTENCED TO LIFE
A man who murdered his father by beating him in his own home after ingesting cocaine and alcohol has been handed a life sentence.Malcolm McGarry, aged 76, was discovered at his residence on Northfields Close, Sutton in Ashfield, on 1 December of the previous year.
His son, Peter McGarry, acknowledged the killing during a court session at Nottingham Crown Court in April and was later sentenced last Friday.
The 53-year-old, residing on Alexandra Street in Kirkby in Ashfield, is mandated to serve a minimum of 14 years and 123 days, which accounts for the time already served in custody.
The violence took place following an event where Malcolm and Peter were watching football on 30 November.
The next day, Malcolm was found with severe injuries in the living room, with the scene described by prosecutors as “truly grotesque and macabre.” Gordon Aspden KC, the prosecutor, noted that Peter was “incoherent” and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Peter claimed he believed Malcolm was an intruder rather than his father.
Emergency responders arrived but were unable to save Malcolm, who succumbed to severe traumatic brain injury along with blunt force injuries to his face.
Upon arrest, Peter told police he had given Malcolm “a good hiding” but denied that the victim was his father.
He admitted drinking and drug use and stated he could not recall the incident.
The defense argued that the killing was neither premeditated nor carefully planned, highlighting that Peter had mental and physical health issues, including grief over his nephew’s murder in 2020.
The close relationship between father and son was noted, with Peter expressing “utter disbelief and eternal regret” over what had occurred.
Judge Stuart Rafferty KC described Malcolm’s death as “avoidable,” attributing it to Peter’s actions.
The judge pointed out Peter’s intoxication and the influence of harmful substances, which impaired his ability to assess his growing rage.
Malcolm was a respected member of the community, and his loss was deeply felt.
The court was told that at the scene, Peter falsely claimed to police that he had assaulted an intruder, which he did not.
His remorse and the effects of substances on his behavior were central to the case.
Ultimately, the judge concluded that Peter’s actions stemmed from his impaired state caused by alcohol and drugs, leading to a brutal and fatal assault on his father.
