A BARRHEAD thug who stabbed his friend to death has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years.

Ben McCulloch, 28, knifed Stephen Quigley in the head at his home on March 23, last year.

He then drove Stephen to a closed section of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, six minutes from the Accident and Emergency department, and left him there.

The disorientated victim tried to walk to A&E for help but was found dead outside a daytime ward the next morning.

Barrhead News:

The High Court in Glasgow heard that 26-year-old Neilston man Stephen would have survived if he had received immediate medical treatment.

McCulloch, who was initially charged with murder, admitted a lesser offence of culpable homicide and was sentenced this morning.

More to follow...