Carluke man who stabbed neighbour 47 times jailed for 16 and a half years
Quintus Montague murdered his neighbour Paul Halley last July
Last updated 25th Jul 2019
A killer who brutally murdered his neighbour by stabbing him 47 times has been jailed for at least 16 and a half years.
Quintus Montague, 34, attacked Paul Halley at his flat in Carluke, South Lanarkshire on July 28th 2018.
The 43 year-old was discovered the next morning by Montague's brother lying in his blood stained Celtic top.
Montague pled guilty last month to a murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow. Today, Lord Armstrong jailed him for life as he was sentenced during a hearing in Aberdeen.
Paul lived with his brother Marcus and his sibling's partner directly above Montague, who only moved there a month before the killing.
Paul had been at home on the day of the murder – July 28 – with two friends.
Explaining the lead up to the attack, prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “The three heard banging from the flat below them.
“One of the friends banged on the floor in response.”
Shortly after, Montague stormed up to Paul's door. The victim ignored pleas by his friends not to answer.
Mr Farrell: “Montague had his fist clenched and was holding a key between two of his fingers.
“Mr Halley shouted at him to leave, but he did not.”
Paul's two friends soon left leaving the pair alone in the flat.
The prosecutor went on: “At some point, the argument escalated into a physical confrontation.
“Montague picked up a knife and repeatedly struck Mr Halley causing his death.
“The murder weapon has never been found.”
The killer was later clocked fleeing and escaping over a fence. He then turned up at a friend's home, confessed to the murder and was unsuccessful in trying to stay the night.
The court heard Montague's brother Marcus went to visit Paul the next morning and found the victim lying on the sofa with the door unlocked.
Mr Farrell: “He had a duvet over him and was wearing a Celtic top as well as boxer shorts.
“His top was heavily blood stained.”
Marcus Montague tried to help Paul, but it was clear he was already dead. The court heard he suffered a total of 47 stab wounds mainly to the neck and chest.
Montague was initially quizzed by police and claimed he had not seen Paul for a number of days.
But, after later being charged with murder, he made no comment.
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