Killer given nine years for stabbing

PERTH killer Robbie Smullen has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison.

The 23-year-old was convicted last month of killing 22-year-old Barry Dixon who died after being stabbed in the heart with a knife at a flat in Perth’s Wallace Court on June 4, 2019.

At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday Lady Carmichael jailed Smullen for nine years, backdated to last March, and a further three months for breaching bail when he killed Mr Dixon.

Lady Carmichael told him: “No sentence I can impose today can repair or lessen the harm that you have caused to the family of Barry Dixon.”

Smullen denied murdering former Perth Academy pupil Mr Dixon in a fit of jealousy when he found him in his then girlfriend Shannon Beattie’s flat, claiming it was self defence. But he later bragged about his actions.

He was convicted of the lesser offence of culpable homicide last month.

His defence counsel Ronnie Rennuci

QC agreed with a background report that described Smullen as an “immature” young man.

The court heard Smullen maintained the position he had been provoked and acted in self defence.

Mr Renucci told the court: “He has recognised he has to change his ways and move on from his past life.

“He very much regrets his involvement in the death of Barry Dixon.”

Smullen’s mother, Mary Theresa Smullen, 46, appeared in the dock with him and was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and given a twoyear supervision order after admitting to perverting the course of justice.

She pretended to police the crime was committed by Smullen’s ex, Shannon Beattie, knowing her son stabbed Mr Dixon.

Mr Dixon’s family indicated before sentencing they would be campaigning for more convictions in relation to his death.