Court told of murder boast

Reece Brunton teamed up with friend Liam Kippen to attack John Hamilton (35) after forcing their way into a house in Burnside Avenue last November.

Brunton later called a woman to boast: “I’ve just stabbed Hammy.”

The 21-year-old admitted murder at the High Court in Glasgow. Kippen (21), who had faced the same allegation, admitted the reduced charge of culpable homicide.

The victim was attacked after a getting a message from Kippen warning him to stay away from Gemma Mooney.

Miss Mooney had once been in a relationship with Mr Hamilton – but Kippen had since been in a “close friendship” with her.

The message warned that if anyone went near her “am doing a lifer”.

Brunton and Kippen later turned up at a house where the victim was. Kippen was heard yelling: “We’re coming through that door”.

Prosecutor David Taylor told how Mr Hamilton was then stabbed repeatedly as Brunton was armed with a blade.

Kippen meantime got a piece of concrete and was seen striking or trying to hit Mr Hamilton.

One woman near to the attack yelled: “I’ve got three kids in here.”

Brunton then said to her: “Shake my hand, its got nothing to do with you.” He and Kippen then fled.

The victim never recovered from the attack. He was found to have six stab wounds.

Brunton later boasted how he had been “going mental” and had been “stabbing Hammy”.

Both Brunton and Kippen are well known to the police.

Brunton was described in court as a “habitual offender”. He had crimes since the age of 10 with 28 offences dealt with by the children’s panel.

He has latterly been locked up for assault and having a knife.

Judge Lord Turnbull deferred sentencing until next month for reports.