Man admits street brawl killing

Charles Bowman died after a "large scale" disturbance in Carmyle Avenue

A man has admitted culpable homicide over the death of a 32-year-old man who suffered 19 stab wounds during a mass street brawl in Glasgow's east end.

Stephen Carmichael, 24, was originally charged with murdering Charles Bowman in Carmyle Avenue in July last year.

John Ferran, 55, and Brian Gillen, 29, were also charged with murder. Their not guilty pleas were accepted.

Carmichael was told a prison sentence was "inevitable" when he returns to the High Court in Glasgow next month.

The court heard how Mr Bowman, from Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, died following a street battle involving men armed with machetes, swords and hammers.

The incident which led to his death started when he became involved in a dispute with local youths at a shop in Glasgow's Carmyle area.

Machete attack

Mr Bowman returned home where he met several other people who armed themselves with an array of weapons including hammers, samurai swords and a pick-axe handle.

When they arrived back in Carmyle they attacked Robert Gillan, who had earlier been outside the shop.

The court was told how an injured Robert Gillan then went to a house in Carmyle Avenue and told others, including Carmichael, what had happened.

Those people armed themselves and went outside, where a "large scale disturbance" broke out.

Carmichael, who had picked up a machete, eventually got involved a fight with Mr Bowman.

Mr Bowman ran towards a nearby church where he collapsed before being set upon and stabbed repeatedly. Carmichael was seen stabbing the victim three times.

Mr Bowman was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. He suffered 19 stab wounds with one going through his heart.