Killer jailed for fatal stabbing caught on camera

A killer who was caught on camera stabbing a man in the stomach outside his Edinburgh home has been jailed for life.

Brian Ramsay, 53, put his arms up to show there was nothing in his hands before he was fatally wounded by Paul Menzies, 45, in a stairwell on Westfield Road.

The father-of-three died in his flat shortly after the attack on 7 June 2024.

At the High Court in Edinburgh Menzies was told he must serve at least 18 years before he can apply for parole.

Judge Lord Summers told the court: "It was a ferocious blow, delivered with considerable force and he died shortly thereafter in his flat after catastrophic bleeding."

Lynne MacKay, a resident who checked CCTV, said at first she thought it showed Ramsay being punched.

But when she looked at again she realised he had been stabbed.

MacKay said when Ramsay was struck he did not have anything in his hands.

She added: "He was putting his hands up."

Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the stairwell attack.

It also captured audio of the killer announcing he was Paul Menzies before committing the fatal assault.

Afterwards Menzie disposed of the weapon in the Water of Leith where it was later recovered by police.

Menzies told the court he had exchanged words with Ramsay prior to the attack and agreed he could have left at that stage.

The killer added: "I wish I did."

Menzies, who admitted he was on drugs, also told the jury: "I knew I had stabbed him. I didn't know he was seriously injured.

"I accept I stabbed Brian. I didn't murder Brian."

He said he was "being an idiot" during a confrontation with Ramsay and was angry with him after he claimed the victim had earlier waved a knife in front of his face.

The court heard the killer had previous convictions for assault, drugs and disorder offences and had been freed under two bail orders at the time of murder.

Det Ch Insp David McAlinden said: "This was a violent attack that cost Brian Ramsay his life, and Menzies will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

"While this conviction cannot change what has happened, I hope it gives Brian's family and friends some closure.

"I want to reassure the public that violent incidents such as this will not be tolerated in our communities, and our officers will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice."