Scott McCulloch, 26, came home drunk on August 28 of last year and beat his own grandmother to death. Patricia Bitters, 84, died six days later at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, following the “sustained” attack. McCulloch was jailed for life today in the Superior Court of Edinburgh after he had already pleaded guilty to murder.
The unemployed 26-year-old, who was caring for his frail grandmother, repeatedly punched and kicked the OAP during the attack.
He even repeatedly stomped on her head, leaving Mrs. Bitters covered in blood and struggling to breathe.
Mrs. Bitters had relied on her grandson to look after her once her mobility had deteriorated.
They had lived together for five years.
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The court heard how McCulloch was intoxicated with alcohol when he returned to his home in Moray on the night of the attack.
A blood test on the killer 12 hours after his arrest found that he was nearly three times over the drink-driving limit.
The loud uproar prompted neighbors to search the property.
A neighbor heard a man yelling aggressively, while a woman was heard yelling, “Help, help, stop, stop, no.”
Neighbors later found McCulloch outside on the sidewalk after the attack.
He told them: “I have killed my grandmother. I didn’t mean to.
McCulloch also complained to a neighbor that her grandmother “wouldn’t stop bugging me.”
The Edinburgh High Court sentenced him to a minimum of 15 years before he can be considered for release on license.
Mrs. Bitters had 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Lord Beckett told him in Edinburgh High Court: “After heavy drinking on August 28 last year, you inflicted brutal and sustained violence, causing appalling injuries which inevitably proved fatal after a few days in hospital.
“She had given you a home and was entitled to expect your protection and support in return.”
Detective Inspector Martyn Thomson, the lead investigating officer, said: “This was a brutal and sustained attack on a woman who should have been safe in her own home.
“Patricia’s family has been absolutely devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.
“While this conviction cannot change what happened, I hope the outcome provides them with at least a degree of closure.
“I would like to thank those who came forward with vital information that helped us with our inquiry.
“Violence like this has no place in our society and we will continue to work closely with our partners to bring perpetrators to justice.”