Ex-soldier kills friend in frenzied attack

Aug 18 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A FORMER soldier who danced with the Queen at Balmoral has been convicted of killing a friend.

At the High Court in Glasgow 40-year-old Brian Lindsay was found guilty of the culpable homicide of 48-year-old Andrew Campbell on December 14, last year, at 13 Abbotsford Avenue, Larkhall.

He was on trial for murder, but was convicted of the reduced charge.

A court insider said: “During his time in the Army Lindsay was part of the Queen's guard at Balmoral and danced with her there. He's not going to be doing much dancing now for a few years.”

Both men had gone to Lindsay's home for a nightcap after a night out. Mr Campbell was violently attacked after wrongly accusing Lindsay of stealing £400 from him.

He suffered 58 wounds in the beating inflicted on him by ex-soldier Lindsay.

The court heard that he believed Lindsay had taken his wallet containing the cash, but it was in his back pocket all the time.

Mr Campbell was repeatedly punched on the head and body, forced to the ground and repeatedly punched to the head and had his head struck off the floor.

Lindsay's 15-year-old son Shaquile Lindsay and a friend were in the house when the killing took place.

In evidence Shaquile Lindsay spoke of going downstairs three times to see what was going on.

On each occasion he saw his father hitting Mr Campbell.

On the last occasion he said: “Andy was on his knees shouting at my dad not to hit him again and calling him a thief.

“My dad said: 'I'm nothing like a thief' and hit him on the face.

“It was a really hard punch and he rolled onto his side and then onto his back.

The teenager told advocate depute David Young, prosecuting,“Andy was snoring by this time and my dad put a fleece over him.”

Under cross-examination by defence advocate Tony Graham the teenager was asked: “Were you concerned enough to phone an ambulance ?” and he replied: “No.”

Mr Graham then asked: “Did it appear that anything bad was going to happen?” and the youngster replied: “No.”

About an hour later Lindsay called an ambulance after realising that Mr Campbell was cold and unresponsive.

In a 999 call he told the operator: “He's not moving. During the call Lindsay said: “It was a mad wee argument. He said I stole £400 from him, but it was in his back pocket.”

The court heard that Lindsay has three minor convictions and judge Lord Brodie called for background reports and will sentence him next month at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Mr Graham said: “From my first consultation with Mr Lindsay he was prepared to accept his culpability to killing Mr Campbell, although he always denied murdering him.

“I'm asked by Mr Lindsay to offer his sorrow for the devastation he has caused to the lives of Mr Campbell's family. He realises that may be of little comfort, but that is all he has to offer.”