Gabriel Brown has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder and mutilation of Joseph Ernest Johnston. Brown killed Johnston, who was his stepmother's ex-partner, in his own home. During the trial, Brown claimed he was possessed by the 19th-century occultist Aleister Crowley at the time of the attack.
Brown told the court that he had no memory of stabbing Johnston but recalled removing the knife. He attributed the act to Crowley, stating that friends had spoken of previous instances where he was "possessed" by the occultist. Brown also asserted that he did Johnston a "favor" by removing and consuming his finger, believing Crowley was going to "take his soul."
Authorities arrested Brown in his stepmother's attic. Following the attack, he texted a friend, "he sleeps forever," referring to Johnston. Brown had prior convictions involving young girls. His defense counsel, Thomas Ross KC, indicated that Brown had suffered from mental health issues since childhood and had exacerbated them through lapses in taking his medication.
Lord Mulholland, the judge, described the incident as a "sustained, merciless and vicious attack on a defenceless man in his own home." He stated that the motivation appeared to be punishment for what Brown believed had happened to his stepmother. The jury was excused from future service due to the "harrowing and graphic" nature of the evidence presented.