PHILIP FRASER

REPEAT OFFENDER PHILIP FRASER GETS LIFE FOR MURDER

Philip Fraser, who is 50 years old and has a history as a former inmate involved in serious violent crimes, confessed to murdering his ex-girlfriend Donna Forrest in April at her residence in Balintore.

He had previously served a life sentence for killing his former wife, Katherine Scafe, and was granted parole in February 2008.

The assault on Ms.

Forrest involved stabbing her with a knife and striking her with a claw hammer.

The attack was preceded by a period during which Fraser stalked and harassed her after she ended their relationship, despite her seeking help from police and social services.

The incident took place after both had been drinking separately at a nearby pub, after which Fraser broke into her house armed with a hammer, which he wielded during the assault.

Neighbors heard screams, prompting police to arrive and find Ms.

Forrest dead in a pool of blood.

Fraser then contacted emergency services to report the murder.

He was later sentenced at Edinburgh’s High Court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.

Judge Lord Menzies described the violence as 'appalling' and indicated Fraser might never be released, citing his prior criminal record and violent tendencies, which mark him as a dangerous individual.