- John Higgins, 63, beat and strangled Amanda McAlear on May 7, 2022
A thug murdered his partner by strangling her when she unplugged the television while he was watching it, a court has heard.
John Higgins, 63, beat and strangled Amanda McAlear on May 7, 2022.
The 50-year-old’s son, Liam, discovered her body when he visited her home in Barmulloch, Glasgow, the following day.
Higgins was due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
But through his lawyer, Michael Meehan, he pleaded guilty to the murder charge. The delivery driver now faces a life sentence when he returns to the dock in September.
John Higgins, 63, beat and strangled Amanda McAlear on May 7, 2022, when she unplugged the television while he was watching it.
Amanda McAlear. The exact details of the fatal attack are not known, but prosecutors said Higgins grabbed McAlear, repeatedly punched her in the head and body and strangled her.
Prosecutor Neil McCulloch said Higgins had been in the pub before taking a taxi to Ms McAlear’s flat.
I had chatted in the taxi about how much I was looking forward to eating Indian takeaway and watching TV.
Mrs. McAlear also returned home, after visiting her elderly mother.
Exact details of the fatal attack are not known, but prosecutors said Higgins grabbed McAlear, repeatedly punched her in the head and body and strangled her.
The court heard Higgins then left her and spent the night with his sister and brother-in-law.
He claimed he had a ‘fight’ with his partner after she unplugged the TV while he was watching it.
Mr McCulloch said: “He did not say anything about Amanda McAlear being injured or needing medical attention.”
Lady Haldane adjourned the case for further reports and told Higgins: “You have pleaded guilty to taking the life of your partner in the truly tragic circumstances described.”
