Thug Sentenced to Jail for Brutal Murder of Partner
A man has been sentenced to at least 19 years in jail for the brutal murder of his partner in Glasgow. John Higgins, 63, was found guilty of battering and choking Amanda McAlear, 50, at her flat in Barmulloch on May 7, 2022. The tragic discovery of McAlear’s body was made by her son the following day, leading to Higgins’ arrest and subsequent trial.
Details of the Murder
The court heard that Higgins had been out at a football match and then went to the pub before returning to McAlear’s home on the day of the murder. Prosecutors stated that Higgins attacked McAlear after she unplugged the TV he was watching, resulting in a violent altercation that ultimately led to her death. Higgins repeatedly punched McAlear on the head and body, as well as strangled her, leaving her in a critical condition before leaving the scene.
Higgins then made an unplanned visit to his sister and brother-in-law’s house, where he spent the night. The following morning, he expressed remorse to his brother-in-law, acknowledging that he had lost control the previous night. However, he did not mention the severity of McAlear’s injuries or seek medical help for her, demonstrating a lack of concern for her well-being.
Impact on McAlear’s Family
During the sentencing hearing, emotional victim impact statements from McAlear’s family were read aloud, highlighting the irreparable loss they have suffered. The judge, Lady Haldane, emphasized the devastating impact of McAlear’s death, particularly due to the violent nature of the assault inflicted by someone she trusted. The lack of remorse and insight shown by Higgins further compounded the family’s grief, as they struggled to come to terms with the tragic loss of a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and grandmother.
Lady Haldane condemned Higgins’ actions, noting that he had failed to consider the consequences of his violent behavior and had callously left McAlear without knowing her condition. The discovery of McAlear’s body by her son added to the family’s trauma, as they were forced to confront the brutal reality of her murder.
Moira Orr, who oversees homicide and major crime cases for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, expressed outrage at Higgins’ actions, describing the attack as a cruel and heartless act that robbed McAlear’s family of precious moments with their loved one. The impact of McAlear’s absence was further magnified by the missed opportunities for her to meet her youngest grandchild and witness her son’s wedding, leaving her family with a profound sense of loss and injustice.
In conclusion, the sentencing of John Higgins for the murder of Amanda McAlear serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support in abusive relationships. The tragic loss of McAlear has left a void in the lives of her family and loved ones, who continue to mourn her untimely passing. The justice system’s response to such heinous crimes must reflect the gravity of the harm caused, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the justice and support they deserve.
