Menu
15/11/2004
'Vampire' killer found dead in his cell
A 23-year-old man, who claimed at his 2003 trial that he murdered his friend after being visited by a vampire, has been found dead in prison.
Alan Menzies, from Fauldhouse in West Lothian, was found dead at Shotts Prison this morning. He reportedly committed suicide.
Menzies was sentenced to serve at least 18 years in prison after being convicted of murdering 21-year-old Thomas McKendrick. He beat his victim with a hammer at least 10 times and stabbed him 42 times in a frenzied attack. He then drank some of his blood and ate some of his corpse.
At his Edinburgh High Court trial, Menzies pleaded culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He claimed that Akasha – the female vampire character from the film 'Queen of the Damned' - told him that he would gain immortality if he carried out the murder.
Menzies was obsessed with the film and claimed to have watched it over 100 times. He said that he carried out the attack after Mr McKendrick made insulting remarks about the film.
(gmcg)
Alan Menzies, from Fauldhouse in West Lothian, was found dead at Shotts Prison this morning. He reportedly committed suicide.
Menzies was sentenced to serve at least 18 years in prison after being convicted of murdering 21-year-old Thomas McKendrick. He beat his victim with a hammer at least 10 times and stabbed him 42 times in a frenzied attack. He then drank some of his blood and ate some of his corpse.
At his Edinburgh High Court trial, Menzies pleaded culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He claimed that Akasha – the female vampire character from the film 'Queen of the Damned' - told him that he would gain immortality if he carried out the murder.
Menzies was obsessed with the film and claimed to have watched it over 100 times. He said that he carried out the attack after Mr McKendrick made insulting remarks about the film.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2004
Serial killer Shipman found dead in his cell
Harold Shipman, Britain's most prolific serial killer, has died in his cell this morning after he apparently hanged himself. Shipman, 57, who was jailed for life in 2000 for the murders of 15 people, was discovered by prison staff at Wakefield Prison at around 6.20am.
Serial killer Shipman found dead in his cell
Harold Shipman, Britain's most prolific serial killer, has died in his cell this morning after he apparently hanged himself. Shipman, 57, who was jailed for life in 2000 for the murders of 15 people, was discovered by prison staff at Wakefield Prison at around 6.20am.
04 September 2007
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
19 May 2015
Killer Nurse Sentenced To Life In Prison
A nurse found guilty of murdering two patients at a hospital in Stockport where he worked has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years.
Killer Nurse Sentenced To Life In Prison
A nurse found guilty of murdering two patients at a hospital in Stockport where he worked has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years.
23 October 2014
Police Killer Harry Roberts To Be Released From Prison
A notorious killer is set to be released from prison after serving 48 years. Harry Roberts, 78, was jailed for killing three unarmed police officers in Shepherds Bush, west London in 1966. Roberts has allegedly been cleared for release by a parole board.
Police Killer Harry Roberts To Be Released From Prison
A notorious killer is set to be released from prison after serving 48 years. Harry Roberts, 78, was jailed for killing three unarmed police officers in Shepherds Bush, west London in 1966. Roberts has allegedly been cleared for release by a parole board.
20 June 2014
Honeymoon Couple Killer Absconds From Prison
A murderer, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of a British couple on their honeymoon in Antigua in July 2008, has escaped from Her Majesty's Prison on Thursday . Ben and Catherine Mullany from Pontardawe in Wales, were married two weeks before being shot by Avie Howell and his accomplice Kaniel Martin.
Honeymoon Couple Killer Absconds From Prison
A murderer, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of a British couple on their honeymoon in Antigua in July 2008, has escaped from Her Majesty's Prison on Thursday . Ben and Catherine Mullany from Pontardawe in Wales, were married two weeks before being shot by Avie Howell and his accomplice Kaniel Martin.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
