Court hears drug dealer was killed ‘over a tenner’

A man who killed his drug dealer “over a tenner” has been warned to expect a lengthy prison sentence.

Williampaterson,46,repeatedly stabbed James Beveridge, 41, on the head, neck and body during a frenzied attack in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on 15 October 2016. The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Paterson had fallen out with Mr Beveridge because he wanted to buy drugs on credit.

Police also suspected that Paterson wanted his money back for “dud” Valium tablets which he had previously bought from Mr Beveridge.

However, the dealer refused to do business with his client. But after the pair exchanged text messages, they met up.

Prosecution lawyer Ashley Edwards QC told the court that Mr Beveridge sustained cuts to his head and a wound to the left side of his neck.

Ms Edwards added: “Despite the injury he had sustained, the deceased apparently managed to get to his feet telling the accused that, ‘You’re going down for a murder all over a tenner.’”

The story emerged after Paterson, of Lismore Avenue, Kirkcaldy, Fife, pleaded guilty before judge Lord Armstrong to a culpable homicide charge.

Sentence was deferred for the court to obtain reports about Paterson’s character. He will be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on 11 August.