MAN WHO KILLED BROTHER HE WAS 'FOND OF' AND SENT PICTURE TO GIRLFRIEND CAGED FOR LIFE
A Scots man who killed a sibling he was “fond of” has been given a life sentence.Steven Loughton, 31, “deeply regrets” killing his 26-year-old sibling Roddy at a house in Edinburgh in December 2018.
Loughton was arrested shortly after the attack and stood trial on a murder charge at the High Court in Edinburgh.
However, he was acquitted of the allegation and was found guilty of culpable homicide due to diminished responsibility as Loughton has long term mental health problems.
On Friday, judge Lord Beckett handed Loughton an order for lifelong restriction.
This means he will only be released when the authorities conclude he no longer poses a threat to public safety.
Passing sentence, Lord Beckett said he had considered a report from a consultant forensic psychiatrist who examined Loughton.
The medic concluded that long term assessment and monitoring were needed to ensure that Loughton didn’t harm anybody else.
Lord Beckett said: “He explains that there is a complex interplay of problems associated with your personality disorder and substance use which has been responsible for violence in the past and these facts continue to be the main risk factors for future violence.” “He further explains that potential scenarios include if you form a future intimate relationship or have serious problems in your relationship with family and close friends.” “He considers it likely given your underlying personality structure that problems with pathological jealousy may arise and the use of alcohol and drugs are likely to exacerbate these problems.” “He concludes that you have an enduring propensity to cause serious harm to others and and that there are few protective factors present in your case.” “You will only be released from prison when the parole board considers that it is no longer necessary for the protection of public that you continue to be held in prison.” During proceedings, the court heard how Loughton attacked his brother on sometime on December 16 and 17 at a flat in Muirhouse Terrace, Edinburgh.
Jurors heard that Loughton and Roddy were the “closest of friends” growing up.
They had spent the day before Roddy died enjoying each other’s company.
However, Loughton attacked Roddy and caused his death.
The court heard that Loughton became mentally ill in his early 20s and had begun to regularly self harm.
The court also heard from Loughton’s former girlfriend Lisa Hamilton, 28.
She told the court that he forwarded a mobile phone photograph of Roddy lying injured to her.
She said that he sent her a series of messages through social media on the morning of December 17 seeking to speak to her.
In one message, Loughton said: “I’m in bits.” He then told her that he had killed someone and asked her who his favourite family member was.
Miss Hamilton told the court that she did not believe what she was being told and Loughton sent her the picture of Roddy lying injured.
She said she previously had been in a relationship with Steven.
She added: “He accused me quite frequently of having relations with Roddy.
Not just Roddy, he accused me of sleeping with people I have never met before.” On Friday, defence advocate Donald Findlay QC said Loughton was “more of a threat to himself” than to others.
Mr Findlay added: “He has a long, long history of mental problems, suicidal idealisations and self harming.
“He is not a man with a long history of violence.
He is a man who needs help.” Mr.
Loughton’s actions and mental state at the time of the killing led to his conviction of culpable homicide and a life sentence, with a lifelong restriction order and a minimum of 3 years and 7 months imprisonment before possible release, emphasizing the severity of his mental health issues and the assessment by the court.
The court emphasized that his long-term mental health problems and dangerous personality structure are central to the case, with ongoing assessments mandatory before any potential release.
