Man jailed for 19 years for murder of partner

John Higgins admitted fatally attacking Amanda McAlear at her home in Glasgow on May 7, 2022. The 64-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of murder at the High Court in Glasgow on July 31, at the start of the trial against him.

Ms McAlear’s primary cause of death was determined to be compression of the neck.

During a forensic examination, Higgins was found to have bruising to pinkie finger on his right hand, the inner side of his upper arm and a 3cm scratch to his chest.

The couple had been together for four years.

Yesterday, Higgins was jailed for a minimum of 19 years at the High Court in Glasgow.

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office, said: “John Higgins violently attacked Amanda in her own home where she should have been safe. Instead of calling for help, he left the house leaving his partner on the kitchen floor.

“His cruel and callous actions have robbed a family of their loving mum, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. Adding to their unimaginable devastation, Amanda never got to meet her youngest grandchild and missed out on her son’s wedding.

“Higgins will now face the consequences of his wicked actions by serving a life sentence.  Our thoughts remain with Amanda’s friends and family, who have waited patiently for justice to be served.”