Man sentenced to prison for killing partner's son in knife assault

A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to a minimum of 19 years in prison for killing his partner's 22-year-old son with a knife. The fatal attack occurred on 6 July last year in Troon, Ayrshire.

During the sentencing at Edinburgh High Court, Judge Lord Scott described the offender as a serious threat to the public. The man, James Thomson, initially denied the murder but was found guilty following a trial.

On the day of the incident, Thomson became physically aggressive, punching and struggling with his victim before retrieving a knife. He then struck the victim multiple times on the head and body. Thomson also damaged a door while attempting to access another room.

Lord Scott emphasized that the victim, Callum Pollock, posed no danger to Thomson and had appeared to avoid confrontation. The judge stated, "Nothing can justify or explain what you did. You only paused to change your clothes before fleeing."

The court heard statements from the victim's father and grandfather, describing the profound grief and loss caused by Pollock's death.

During the trial, Thomson claimed that Pollock had accidentally fallen onto the knife during a struggle, despite evidence of a fatal wound to the neck. The jury learned that Thomson had been at the flat with Pollock and his mother, watching football, before tensions escalated.

Thomson initially wrestled with Pollock, then stormed into the kitchen, later forcing his way back into the living room to continue the attack. Afterward, he changed clothes and was seen calmly walking along a train station platform.

In his defense, counsel David Nicolson KC highlighted Thomson's troubled childhood and alcohol issues. A letter from Thomson expressing remorse and recognition of the long prison term was also presented.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Runcie said he hoped the sentence would provide some solace to the bereaved family and reaffirmed that Thomson would now face justice for his violent actions.

Author: Sophia Brooks