Knife murder man jailed for life

The court heard the attack took place after an afternoon's drinking

A man who slashed his wife's throat and then tried to kill himself with the same knife has been jailed for life.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Peter Heaton, from Spinners Gardens, Paisley, admitted murdering his wife at their home in June last year.

The 50-year-old's defence agent said the incident had been sparked by a "trivial" argument over a burnt meal.

Heaton must serve 10 years before he can apply for parole.

As he was led away, a furious relative shouted out: "Ten years ... you get that for robbing a bank. The law's an ass."

What had started off as a trivial incident ended in tragedy not only for him but for his wife's family Graham Robertson Defence counsel

Heaton's defence counsel, Graham Robertson, told the court that the argument broke out after his client burnt the couple's evening meal following a Sunday afternoon's drinking in Paisley.

Mrs Heaton threw a cup at her husband, after which he claimed to have very little recollection of events.

Mr Robertson said: "What he can remember is finding himself sitting down in the kitchen with the body of his wife beside him bleeding, and nearby a Bowie knife.

"He discovered she was dead and then tried to cut his own wrists with the knife, but couldn't. So he got a scalpel.

"His intention was to be with her. He drifted off to sleep and was on the verge of unconsciousness when he came to and discovered his wrist bleeding and his wife's body beside him. He then phoned the emergency services.

Pool of blood

"What had started off as a trivial incident ended in tragedy not only for him but for his wife's family. He loved his wife, and albeit she is dead, still loves her, and is utterly devastated for her family."

A post mortem revealed Mrs Heaton had most likely been punched and kicked before being strangled then stabbed through her neck.

During an earlier appearance in court last month, Lord Bracadale heard that when police were called to the couple's home they found Heaton, crying and covered in blood, sitting in a pool of blood in the middle of his kitchen floor.

Minutes later they found Mrs Heaton lying in a large pool of blood in the utility room.