UPDATE: Four individuals have been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Steven Hutton in Dundee, following an attack described as a “punishment beating.” Carri Stewart, 44, and her new partner Brian Millar, 29, along with accomplices Barry Murray, 45, and Scott Henderson, 40, were convicted after storming Hutton’s home on March 30, 2024.
The attack was fueled by a belief that Hutton had stolen items from Stewart’s flat, including medication and a cherished St Christopher necklace. Prosecutors revealed that Hutton, 43, was first struck with a hammer before being fatally stabbed in the heart. He succumbed to his injuries the following day in a local hospital. This shocking incident highlights a severe escalation of violence in domestic disputes.
During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, all four defendants admitted to being present but denied responsibility for the murder. They were ultimately found guilty after jurors heard how the assailants planned the attack upon discovering the door to Stewart’s flat ajar, with several items missing. The group then forced their way into Hutton’s flat late at night, leading to the violent confrontation.
Lady Haldane, the presiding judge, delivered a life sentence for each defendant, mandating a minimum of 20 years behind bars. She described the incident as a “frenzied assault” in Hutton’s own home, noting the tragic motive behind the attack—a missing packet of medication.
Prosecutor Liam Ewing KC emphasized the brutality of the crime, stating that Hutton had been “cornered” in his home. In their testimonies, both Millar and Henderson attempted to deflect blame onto Stewart. Millar claimed they intended to have a conversation with Hutton and denied any knowledge of violent intentions. However, evidence indicated that threats of “kneecapping” Hutton were made during the attack.
In her sentencing remarks, Lady Haldane condemned the callousness displayed by the defendants, highlighting that none of them sought help for Hutton as he lay dying. “The tragedy of these events is amplified by the fact the genesis of this attack appears to have been a missing packet of medication,” she stated, paying tribute to Hutton’s grieving family.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about domestic violence and its devastating consequences. With over 100 previous convictions among the defendants, this incident is a stark reminder of the potential for violence in unresolved personal conflicts.
As the community processes this horrific event, attention will turn to support for victims of domestic violence and the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to occur. The actions of Stewart and her accomplices serve as a grim warning of the lethal potential of rage and retribution.
Further updates will follow as the story develops, and community leaders call for action to prevent future violence.
