Man given life sentence for double killing

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that in the early hours of 26 February 2017 Robert Stratton stabbed and killed cousins Julie McCash and David Sorrie following an altercation at a house in the Mid Craigie area of Dundee.

The court heard that Stratton and his partner were asked to leave a house, where they and others had gathered for drinks.

Stratton’s partner returned to her home, where she damaged the kitchen before returning to the gathering and was subsequently ejected again and returned home.

Stratton then came out of his house armed with two knives and struck Ms McCash in the chest as she was making her way home.

Others from the house came out into the street and Stratton then struck David Sorrie in the body causing his death.

Speaking following the sentencing, Nicky Patrick, procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, said: “This is a tragic case involving two needless deaths due to the combination of alcohol and knives.

“Robert Stratton chose to take up a knife with the purpose of doing serious harm.

“Crimes of this nature are thankfully rare and some comfort can hopefully be taken from the life sentence handed to Stratton…

“As prosecutors, we will continue to do our utmost to prosecute those who are responsible for violence and knife crime.”