Christopher Brown to serve minimum of 13 years for murder

Christopher Brown, 36, attacked Henry White at a house in Erskine Wynd and repeatedly punched, elbowed and kneed him before dragging him outside and abandoning him.

He will serve a minimum of 13 years behind bars after sentence was handed down at the High Court in Inverness today.

Mr White suffered multiple rib fractures, a collapsed lung and other injuries in the brutal and prolonged attack on March 21 and 22 last year at the address in Erskine Wynd.

Henry White was brutally beaten, dragged outside and left to die in Oakley in March 2023. (Image: Contributed) Brown, who had previous convictions of assault, had denied murder but a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh convicted him of the crime by a majority verdict.

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He had offered to plead guilty to culpable homicide but the Crown rejected the plea.

Detective Inspector Kieran Marsh said: “Brown will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope today’s result brings some comfort to Henry's family and friends who have shown great strength throughout this investigation and trial.

"Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with what happened to him.

"Thankfully crimes like these are extremely rare in our communities.

"When such incidents take place, we will use all resources necessary to carry out thorough, rigorous inquiries to ensure we track down those responsible to bring them to justice as swiftly as possible.

"I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries."

Christopher Brown has been sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve at least 13 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole. (Image: Police Scotland) The tariff of 13 years is the minimum term Brown must serve before he can become eligible to seek parole.

At the trial last month, the judge said it had been "a distressing and complex case" and that counselling was available for those who served on the jury.

Brown was at the home of his then girlfriend on the night of the murder.

Mr White had arrived at the house and was having a drink.

Brown went for a bath but when he returned to join them he grabbed Mr White and said they were talking about him.

The scene at Erskine Wynd in Oakley, in March 2023, after Henry White's body was discovered. (Image: David Wardle) He elbowed the older man in the face "pretty hard" and knocked the victim unconscious.

When Mr White came round he was hit again and fell to the floor and Brown kneed him.

In court advocate depute Michelle Brannagan had said: "Henry White was knocked unconscious not once, not twice but on three separate occasions that night.

"You heard that when Henry White lay on the floor unconscious, Christopher Brown dragged him from the hallway outside.

"The evidence is clear. This was a murderous attack by Christopher Brown."