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Man who refused drink murdered for being 'cheeky'

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Published Date: 06 September 2008
A THUG who kicked a man to death for refusing a drink said his victim was being "cheeky".
Thomas Muir, 44, was questioned by police after Val Dalzell's body was found at a drinking den in Clydebank, on 21 February. He told them that Mr Dalzell was sleeping off a drinking binge under a quilt, wearing only socks and underpants.

A court heard that when Mr Dalzell, 48, refused another drink, Muir challenged him to fight. Muir later told police: "He was very cheeky to me. I turned round and said: 'Would you like to put your clothes on, mate, and we'll have a square go?' He said 'no' then I jumped for his head."

But at the High Court in Edinburgh he denied murder – claiming someone else was as likely to have inflicted the fatal blow.

The jury found Muir guilty of murder. The judge, Lord Menzies, remanded him in custody. He is to be sentenced next month.





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  • Last Updated: 06 September 2008 12:37 AM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Fanling,

Hong Kong 06/09/2008 01:36:29
Welcome to Scotland, people of the world.

And to the excellent Scotsman newspaper for not informing the reading public what a "drinking den" is, in the context. A sick, sad event made into a "story" by slack reporting.
2

EnglishHighlander,

06/09/2008 08:52:59
This type of thing happens the world over - not just Scotland!
3

Unimpressed one,

06/09/2008 09:11:04
#2, True, but we do it best.
4

Boston sports fan,

06/09/2008 14:38:51
With more and more stories like this despicable one in the news every day it leaves me wondering. Are we becoming more inhumane or is it just being reported more?
5

redrunner,

USA 06/09/2008 15:53:42
Stories such as these are certainly being reported more, however world wide society as a whole has been trained to look for the repulsive or freakish and become outraged. Not outraged enough to actually get involved and actually effect changes in society, just outraged enough to create more press and pay homage to the continued degradation of society.
Either that or we humans are becoming modern Lemmings and one day we will reach a point where we will all jump off a cliff into the ocean and drown! Personally I can't swim too well so I would prefer a more respectful society. How about you?
6

Mcsnagpile,

06/09/2008 17:44:53
He should have listened and at least put on his boots to defend himself.

What is a Drinking Den?? Is it a Kai Kai oil drum party??
Friday night in down town Veld.
7

blackley,

Edinburgh 07/09/2008 11:19:14
In't it shocking that the noble Lord Menzies should have to soil his hands dealing with this sort of thing? And him an Edinburgh Accie tae!
8

Hippie,

Ft. Collins. Colorado 08/09/2008 05:22:49
I take it that the "drinking den" is a pub. Please correct me if i am wrong.
I am a University Student studying this local newpaper for reports that involve criminal acts. I am from Colorado- (in the United States)
This crime described above is frequent in my state, its not just in your country.
9

,

08/09/2008 19:11:58
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
10

kentigern,

Louisiana, USA 08/09/2008 23:11:34
Thanks for clearing that up. So it is sort of a flophouse, correct?

 

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