A MAN has pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of a 67-year-old woman who was found dead in her own home during the summer.
Appearing at the Glasgow High Court today, 30-year-old Jason Graham admitted to breaking into Esther Brown’s home and murdering her.
The court heard Graham then purchased a packet of cigarettes using the deceased’s bank card following the murder.
The pensioner had been missing for four days and was finally found on Tuesday June 1 lying dead in her home in West Princes Street, Glasgow.
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Addressing Graham in court, judge Lord Armstrong said: “You now stand convicted of the gravest of crimes involving the most depraved actions on your part, characterised by utter brutality, extreme and sustained violence against a defenceless woman in her own home.”
Ms Brown has been described as a “much loved and active member of the community” and was devoted to St Silas Church.
The court also heard the Defence Lawyer argue that Graham had “no recollection” of the attack but has “insight” into the impact Ms Brown’s death has had on the community.
Brian McConnachie QC said the accused is on medication for post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to a “traumatic childhood event”, and that he had consumed “a substantial” amount of alcohol on the night he broke into Ms Brown’s property.
He said: “It seems to be clear that the combination of the drugs and alcohol have contributed to the offences.”
Lord Armstrong deferred sentence on Graham until November 12 at the High Court in Edinburgh for reports, including on his psychiatric history.
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