Killer who threw boiling water on victim before stabbing him in heart jailed

A killer who carried out a “napalm” attack on a man has been jailed for at least 20 years.

Gavin Gallagher hurled a mixture of boiling water and sugar over Stephen Gray, 23, before fatally stabbing him in the heart.

The 34-year-old claimed he had been acting in self-defence, insisting he was in “flight or fight” mode at the time of the incident in Govan, Glasgow, on November 3, 2023.

But, jurors found him guilty of the killing, and he has now been sentenced.

Gallagher had been in the company of Mr Gray and others that day at a flat.

In his evidence, he claimed Mr Gray had ended up “raging” at one stage and left.

The victim then returned, with only Gallagher left in the flat.

The killer told jurors he looked through the peephole and claimed Mr Gray was armed.

A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Stephen Gray in Glasgow in 2023. Police Scotland

Gallagher said he opened the door, having grabbed a blade himself and a kettle of boiling water.

He had hoped to apparently “scare” Mr Gray, but Gallagher alleged the man ran at him.

His KC John Scullion put to him: “How did you react?”

Gallagher said: “Fight or flight. I lunged.”

He flung the water at him and fatally stabbed Mr Gray, adding: “He dropped instantly. My heart sank. It was horrible.”

It was Gallagher who dialled 999. He claimed in court to “feel guilty every day” at what he had done.

But, prosecutors refuted his claims about Mr Gray and insisted he had murdered the man.

After the verdict, advocate depute William Frain-Bell said Gallagher already had a lengthy criminal record, including for violence, weapons, robbery and drugs.

Lord Mulholland adjourned the case until next mont,h when the killer will learn the minimum he will spend behind bars.

The judge told him: “You have been convicted of a terrible murder.

“You stabbed him straight through the heart – there was absolutely no possibility of that poor man surviving.

“Not only that, before you stabbed him, you poured boiling water laced with sugar over him.

“This is an appalling thing to do to another human being. You also have a horrific criminal record.”

Detective superintendent Hannah Edward said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Stephen and while we know nothing can change what has happened I hope this brings them some degree of closure as they try to move forward.

“This was a shocking attack and Gallagher will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“We are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all officers for their dedication and commitment throughout this investigation and those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”