Police ScotlandA killer brutally murdered a man, then later told police: “I do not regret it one bit”.
Stephen Kelly, 29, turned on Chris McMahon at the victim’s flat in Lanark on October 4, 2023.
The horror attack included the 31-year-old being stabbed with an 18-inch hunting knife and having bleach poured into his mouth.
Kelly had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
But, at a hearing on Friday, he pleaded guilty – via his KC Richard Goddard – to the murder charge.
Kelly – who already had a history of violence – faces a life sentence and will learn the minimum he will spend behind bars next month.
The court heard father-of-two Mr McMahon had been at Kelly’s cousin’s home in Carluke, Lanarkshire earlier that day with the killer and another man also there.
Mr McMahon and Kelly later left around 5.30pm and ended up at the victim’s home in Lanark.
It was there around 8pm neighbours could then hear arguing, banging and furniture being thrown about.
Prosecutor Wojciech Jajdelski said: “The noise calmed down after a loud scream, which sounded like one of fright.
“The whole incident lasted about 20 minutes.”
The advocate depute stated Kelly had carried out a “sustained and brutal attack” on Mr McMahon.
This involved him being struck on the head with a bottle, repeatedly stabbed – including in the neck – stamped upon, hit by other means as well as bleach poured into his mouth as he lay stricken.
Around an hour later, Kelly called his cousin and admitted: “I think I have killed him.”
Asked to check if the victim was still alive, Kelly insisted he “did not want to help” Mr McMahon.
He then added: “F*** him. That is him away.”
Kelly alleged Mr McMahon had been “speaking about his father” which he “did not want to hear”.
Kelly’s dad had been diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and was receiving end-of-life care at the time of the attack.
The killer went on to FaceTime both his ex-partner and mother. He had no top on, and his face was covered in blood.
Police arrived at the flat around 10.25pm to find Mr McMahon alone, lying badly injured between the hall and a bedroom.
There appeared to have been attempts to clean up the bloodbath.
The kitchen floor was wet, there was a strong smell of washing up liquid as well as air freshener and a bottle of Dettol on the worktop.
The large bloodstained hunting-style knife was discovered. There was also a smashed Buckfast bottle.
Paramedics tried to save Mr McMahon at the flat, but he never recovered.
The court heard he had suffered stab wounds to his neck and chest.
Mr McMahon had “significant” blunt force trauma injuries as well as “multiple” bruises and abrasions.
He had trainer-sole marks on his head which could have been when he was stamped on.
The court heard he was also hurt while appearing to trying to fend off blows.
Kelly was found by police the next day.
He made a number of remarks about his victim including: “I will do the 25 years.
“I do not regret it one bit. I put bleach in his mouth and everything when he was dead.
“F***ing rat. I sat on top of him and everything.”
He later added what he had done had “not even sunk in yet”.
Kelly said: “I am guilty – might as well just get it out the way.”
He claimed to have anti-social behaviour disorder and would “probably” get diminished responsibility as a result.
Kelly further said Mr McMahon was “like a cousin” to him and that he knew his parents.
Kelly’s previous convictions included him being part of a serious assault, which involved a man being knocked unconscious.
Lady Hood deferred sentencing until May 28 in Kilmarnock.
Kelly remains in custody meantime. He appeared angry and shouted a number of comments as he was lead back to the cells.
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