TopcopcondemnsOAP killer’s city crime spree
Crime Reporter ONE of Police Scotland’s top cops has spoken out after a man who murdered a Calton pensioner changed his plea to guilty during a High Court trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Livingstone was tasked with hunting down Peter Telfer after he went on a crime spree in Glasgow city centre which culminated in the death of 76-year-old John Baker.
Telfer, 25, pled guilty to the murder of Mr Baker, which happened last June, near Abercromby Street. He also admitted robbery and attempted robbery of two other women in Glasgow city centre.
He was captured on CCTV knifing 76-year-old Mr Baker twice in the back, only days after being granted bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Livingstone, the senior investigating officer on the case, said: “The murder of John Baker was the terrible and tragic culmination of a violent crime spree on the part of Telfer.
“He progressed through the city centre armed with a knife, out through Trongate and towards the area of Calton.
“He left a trail of carnage behind him. He robbed one woman and attempted to rob another woman at knifepoint, before murdering John Baker.
“The friends and family of John Baker continue to rebuild their lives following the loss of someone they loved and cared for.
“I hope that some satisfaction can come from knowing that Telfer will be held to account for his actions.
“He is a dangerous individual who acted without thinking about the consequences of his decisions.
“Police Scotland and the Major Investigation Teams will not allow those who perpetrate extreme violence of this type to go undetected for their crimes.”
The incident shocked the heartbroken community of Calton, who raised funds for Mr Baker’s funeral, which took place in August.
Mr Baker had lived in the East End area his whole life and was described as a “lovely man” by Catherine Martin, treasurer of the Calton Area Association.
Yesterday, the Evening Times reported that Telfer dramatically changed his plea midway through his trial.
A date is to be set for his sentencing.