Beheadings maniac is jailed

A maniac with a fascination for beheadings has been jailed for life for killing his mother’s former partner.

Stafford Crown Court heard Geoffrey Watkins’ head was virtually severed as Andrew Craigie, pictured, set about him with two kitchen knives.

And the court was told that 10 years ago Craigie tried to kill his alcoholic mother in a similar way – believing he would be releasing her “to go to a happier place.”

Mr Philip Parker, prosecuting, said a girlfriend Craigie met over the internet travelled from Australia to Stafford to be with him. She was quickly driven away by what she later described as his “unhealthy fascination with beheading.”

Mr Parker added that, when police examined Craigie’s laptop, they found gruesome downloads of graphic images of human mutilation, beheadings, shootings and crash scenes. Craigie, aged 27, of Tixall Road, Stafford, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Watkins on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Judge Simon Tonking described it as a “brutal, savage and sadistic” killing and said Craigie must serve a minimum of 10 years, less time spent in custody on remand.

He told Craigie he would not be released until the parole board was satisfied he was no longer a danger to the public.

The court heard Mr Watkins was attacked by Craigie at his home in Amblefield Way, Parkside, on June 28, after the pair had been drinking. Mr Philip Parker QC, prosecuting, said Craigie’s mother met Mr Watkins while Craigie was serving six years detention for the attack which left her needing 50 stitches in neck wounds.

They eventually moved in together and were for a time engaged, but in 2002, when Craigie was released from his detention and went to live with them, the couple split.

Mr Anthony Barker QC, for Craigie, said his client came out of prison the first time “a vulnerable young man without back-up.”