Man who stabbed childhood friend in the heart jailed for murder

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his childhood friend in Aberdeen by stabbing him in the heart.

Brandon Booth, 25, struck 24-year-old Dylan Geddes at a flat in the Tillydrone area of the city in July last year.

He pleaded guilty to the murder at the High Court in Glasgow.

Judge Lord Arthurson ordered Booth to serve at least 18 years before he is considered for parole.

At the time, relatives of the victim had said: "Dylan was a much-loved son, grandson, brother and nephew."

Geddes was at his friend's house on the day he was killed.

Seven people in the property, including Booth, had been listening to music together and spirits had initially been good.

However, Booth and Geddes - who had been friends as children - began to argue with each other.

The court heard Booth pulled out a knife and lashed out amid the argument.

Prosecutor Gordon Lindhorst said Geddes ended up holding his chest which was bleeding.

Geddes only walked a couple of steps out of the property before he collapsed on the ground.

A 999 call was made and first aid was given before medics arrived.

Lindhorst added that Booth, on his push bike, then cycled past Geddes.

He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest which pierced through the heart.

Mark Stewart, defending, told the court: "The nature of the argument that developed isn't clear.

"It was probably an argument of not any good note however it escalated and one thing led to another with two young men who knew each other who ended up in a confrontation.

"Mr Booth escalated that and he used this weapon. He understands the consequences for Mr Geddes' family and apologises."

Lord Arthurson said: "Mr Geddes leaves behind a loving family and close friends. He is survived by his parents, sister and grandmother.

"He was a young man who had a future life ahead of him and through your brutal violence that night, you took that away from him and his grieving family.

"This was an unprovoked attack and you fled the scene."

Relatives of Geddes said in a statement at the time: "The family is absolutely devastated by what has happened.

"He will be sorely missed every day by all who knew him."