Alan Robertson: Murderer jailed for at least 17 years for stabbing man in the heart in Glasgow

14 November 2024, 13:02 | Updated: 14 November 2024, 15:27

A murderer who stabbed a man in the heart in retaliation for reportedly being hit on the head with a beer can has been jailed for a minimum of 17 years.

Alan Robertson, 33, was last month found guilty of killing Allan Doris, 43, outside his flat in the Kennishead area of Glasgow on 13 February 2023.

Judge Douglas Brown handed Robertson a life sentence at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

The court heard Robertson, his cousin, and Mr Doris were drinking at his house on the night of the attack.

Mr Doris was said to have walked out after complaining about Robertson's aggressive behaviour towards his cousin.

Judge Brown said Robertson followed him out on to the landing, where Mr Doris reportedly struck the killer on the head with a beer can.

The judge said Robertson returned to his flat and armed himself with a knife, adding: "You then went back out, ran at him and thrust the knife into his chest with such force that it penetrated through his breastbone and into his heart."

Mr Doris died shortly after at the scene.

Judge Brown said: "This was a brutal knife attack directed at Mr Doris's chest and it must have been perfectly obvious that it would be likely to result in his death.

"The fact that he died so quickly after the blow was struck reflected the nature of the attack and the severity of the injury inflicted."

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The judge said Mr Doris was a "much-loved father, son and brother".

He added: "The impact of his death on those closest to him has been devastating and they feel that life will never be the same again.

"Losing him at the relatively young age of 43 is difficult enough, but to lose him so suddenly and as a result of such brutal violence seems to them almost unbearable."

Robertson was said to have a number of previous convictions, including multiple assaults and being in possession of an axe and a knife in a public place.

Following the court case, Detective Chief Inspector Darren Munogee said: "Our thoughts remain with Allan's family and friends at this difficult time.

"I hope this sentence brings some comfort to them as they try to move forward with their lives.

"Robertson will now face the consequences of his despicable actions."

(c) Sky News 2024: Alan Robertson: Murderer jailed for at least 17 years for stabbing man in the heart in Glasgow