Gabriel Brown, 35, has been convicted of murder after a brutal attack that left Joseph Johnston, 58, with 22 stab wounds. The High Court in Glasgow heard that Brown also severed and consumed one of Johnston's fingers.
Brown claimed during the trial that he was possessed by the spirit of 19th-century occultist Aleister Crowley, who he said had instructed him to take Johnston's soul. Jurors rejected this defense, finding him guilty after a nearly two-week trial.
The victim, known as Ernie, was discovered in his burned-out flat in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, in November 2024. Brown had set fire to the property in an attempt to cover his tracks, igniting furniture and tampering with cooking appliances.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Brown targeted Johnston because Johnston had previously been in a relationship with Brown's step-mother. Brown's step-mother had reportedly pointed out Johnston's residence to Brown and used derogatory language when referring to Johnston.
Brown, a convicted sex offender with a history of mental health issues diagnosed in his youth, consumed alcohol and cannabis before going to Johnston's home. Johnston allowed him entry, and the two initially appeared to get along, even taking a photograph together.
However, the situation escalated into what was described as a "savage" attack. Brown inflicted multiple stab wounds, severed Johnston's ring finger, and carved letters onto his face. He then attempted to conceal the crime by setting multiple fires within the flat and disabling smoke alarms.
Brown sent a text message to another individual later that night, accusing Johnston and stating "he sleeps forever." He was apprehended by police while sleeping in his step-mother's attic.
During testimony, Brown admitted to removing and consuming Johnston's finger, stating he considered it a "favor." He claimed to have no recollection of inflicting the stab wounds, attributing the knife's placement to Aleister Crowley and describing a shared body.
Lord Mulholland described the attack as "sustained, vicious and merciless" and noted that the severing of the ring finger indicated a motive of punishment. The judge excused the jury from future service due to the graphic nature of the evidence they endured.
Sentencing for Brown is scheduled for next month, with the judge warning that he may never be released. Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson of Police Scotland stated that Brown will "face the consequences of his despicable actions" and expressed hope that the verdict would bring some comfort to Johnston's family.