A man who was on bail for a knife-related offence has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a father in Airdrie just days before Christmas last year.
Brandon McLachlan, 22, fatally stabbed 33-year-old Jamie Lucas near a nightclub in the Lanarkshire town following a brief confrontation between the two men, who had not previously known each other.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that the incident began at Diamonds nightclub on December 21, 2024, where Jamie had been enjoying a night out with his girlfriend, Lynsay Goldie. McLachlan was also present but was ejected by staff due to his behaviour.
A short time later, Jamie and his partner stepped outside for a cigarette, where a verbal exchange with McLachlan escalated into a brief physical scuffle. During the encounter, McLachlan suffered a chipped tooth. The men were separated and Jamie returned inside the club.
However, McLachlan remained nearby, visibly angry. CCTV and audio recordings captured him making violent threats, including statements about retrieving a knife. He later returned to his nearby flat before coming back armed.
At around 2.30am, as Jamie and Miss Goldie left the nightclub, McLachlan confronted him again. A struggle followed, during which McLachlan stabbed Jamie multiple times, including a fatal wound to the heart.
Jamie collapsed in the street as his partner tried to stem the bleeding. Despite being rushed to hospital, he died from his injuries, having been stabbed four times.
McLachlan fled the scene but was later arrested near his home after attempting to evade police. He later admitted his actions to officers.
The court heard McLachlan had ten previous convictions, including offences involving violence and housebreaking, and was subject to two bail orders at the time of the murder.
Lord Young sentenced McLachlan to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 and a half years, reduced from 21 years due to his guilty plea. The judge said the attack was not impulsive but a calculated act of revenge.
Jamie Lucas was remembered as a gifted artist with a passion for music and life. He was described as a devoted father to his young son and is deeply missed by his family and loved ones.
