Evil thug beat diabetic stroke victim to death
Killer preyed on frail and vulnerable dad of six
A THUG beat a “frail and vulnerable” dad of six to death after meeting him at a chemist where his victim collected his medicines.
William Collins, 40, left William McCallum – a diabetic who had suffered a stroke – with 66 injuries including broken ribs, bruising and a brain haemorrhage after attacking him in his home.
The High Court in Stirling heard Collins had befriended 66-year old William at the pharmacy which Collins himself attended three times a week to collect medication for his heroin addiction.
In the weeks leading up to William’s death last year, Collins had become a regular visitor to William’s flat in Redding, Falkirk.
William, who walked with a stick and had “restricted mobility”, lived alone, supported by a care package.
The court heard William, who also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was “scared” of Collins, who would “snap, shout and bawl” at him, and had pawned his two televisions and his electric guitar.
On June 24, 2020, William’s carer attended the flat shortly after 5pm and was let in by Collins who seemed under the influence of drugs, was “angry and agitated”, and mentioned a missing bag.
Collins told the carer he and William had both been taking
Valium, and said that if William didn’t give him his bag or £300 he would take money from his bank account.
Prosecutor John Keenan said: “At one point he pulled the deceased off the bed and tried to drag him out of the room. The carer was telling the accused to leave the deceased alone. She was concerned and felt intimidated.”
She left “hurriedly” and reported what had happened to her office.
Neighbours then heard arguing, including William saying, “Look what you’ve done to me” and saw Collins leaving with blood on his joggers.
He returned at about 9.30pm and broke in. At this point, police were called and when they arrived, Collins led them to William’s body.
Collins, of Falkirk, pled guilty to culpable homicide, hours before he was due to stand trial for murder.
Judge Lord Weir deferred sentence for reports until January 13.