Jonathon Bell jailed for at least 18 years over murder of James Johnstone in Bo'Ness
Jonathon Bell, 37, fatally attacked James Johnstone, 39, within the victim's home in Bo'Ness, Falkirk, on 17 April 2021. Bell had denied murder and instead claimed he acted in self-defence.
Tuesday 1 August 2023 13:31, UK
A murderer who stabbed a man to death during a frenzied knife attack has been jailed for at least 18 years.
Jonathon Bell, 37, fatally attacked James Johnstone, 39, within the victim's home in Bo'Ness, Falkirk, on 17 April 2021.
A court heard how Bell repeatedly struck Mr Johnstone with a knife, inflicting 15 separate sharp-force injuries.
A total of 11 were said to be stab wounds, three of which had entry and exit wounds in different parts of his body.
Bell had denied murder and instead claimed he acted in self-defence.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Bell was handed a life sentence and ordered to spend at least 18 years behind bars after being found guilty in June.
The judge, Lord Scott, described the murder as "brutal".
He noted Bell's schizophrenia, depression and anxiety, stating: "Some of your mental health problems appear to relate to your long-term drug use which may in turn be related to your childhood trauma.
"Nonetheless, you are criminally responsible for what you did on 17 April 2021.
"Despite having heard all the evidence in this case, including yours, the full detail of what happened on 17 April 2021 remains unclear.
"No doubt this is due, in whole or part, to the central role of drugs which may have obliterated memories or obscured the truth."
Lord Scott stated the jury rejected key parts of Bell's defence which appeared to be a "selective and partial version of the whole picture".
He added: "It may be that, due to excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, even you have lost the full picture."
The judge added that Bell's "willing consumption of drink and drugs" did not mitigate his actions.
He said: "A person who willingly becomes intoxicated is just as responsible as a sober person for any crimes they commit."
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Lord Scott noted the victim impact statements provided by Mr Johnstone's son and sister.
He described the victim as a "vulnerable individual who was preyed on by others at times", adding: "It is clear that there has been a significant and lasting impact on Mr Johnstone's family.
"They have suffered in many ways, from aspects of smaller daily routines to the permanent hole left by his loss.
"Nothing said or done here today, and no sentence I impose will be enough to help Mr Johnstone's family with the devastating loss of a much-loved son, brother and father."
Following the court case, Detective Chief Inspector David MacGregor said it was a "brutal murder of a man in his own home".
He added: "I hope [Monday's] sentencing brings justice for James's family as they continue to come to terms with what happened.
"I'd like to thank the local community for their support throughout our investigation. Your assistance helped us trace Bell and led to this conclusion. He'll now face the consequences of his actions."