Rapist killer of church-going Glasgow pensioner was convicted sex offender
A man has pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of a pensioner who was found dead in her home.
Jason Graham, 30, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, where he admitted to assaulting and killing Esther Brown.
The court heard Graham bought a packet of cigarettes using her bank card after the murder.
The 67-year-old’s body was found at her home in West Princes Street in Woodlands, Glasgow, on 1 June after she had been missing for four days.
The court heard the accused had a conviction for attacking and raping an older woman in 2013 and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
He was released in 2018 before his licence expired in 2020 and he has been a registered sex offender since.
Ms Brown has been described as a “much loved and active member of the community” and was devoted to St Silas Church. Friends described her life as “full and rewarding” and “dedicated to helping others”.
Judge Lord Armstrong told Graham: “You now stand convicted of the gravest of crimes involving the most depraved actions on your part, characterised by utter brutality, extreme and sustained violence against a defenceless woman in her own home.”
Defence lawyer Brian Mcconnachie QC told the court Graham had “no recollection” of the attack but has “insight” into the impact Ms Brown’s death has had.
He said Graham is on medication for post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to a “traumatic childhood event” and he had drunk “a substantial” amount of alcohol on the night he broke into Ms Brown’s property.
Mr Mcconnachie said: “It seems to be clear that the combination of the drugs and alcohol have contributed to the offences.”
After drinking in a nearby pub, Graham entered Ms Brown’s home through an
open door into the building’s stairwell before knocking on her door. The two were not known to each other.
Lord Armstrong deferred
sentence until 12 November at the High Court in Edinburgh for reports.
Dr Annie Gemmill, a friend of Ms Brown, said: “No one’s
life should ever be ended as hers was, and we miss her so much.”