- John Higgins, 63, battered and choked Amanda McAlear on May 7, 2022
A thug murdered his partner by strangling her when she pulled the television plug out while he was watching it, a court has heard.
John Higgins, 63, battered and choked 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 next day.
Higgins had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
But via his KC, Michael Meehan, he instead 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, battered and choked Amanda McAlear on May 7, 2022 when she pulled the television plug out while he was watching it
Amanda McAlear. The exact details of the fatal attack are not known but prosecutors said Higgins grabbed Ms McAlear, repeatedly punched her on the head and body as well as strangled her
Prosecutor Neil McCulloch told how Higgins had been to the pub before getting a taxi to Ms McAlear’s flat.
He had chatted in the cab about ‘looking forward’ to having an Indian takeaway and watching television.
Ms McAlear also returned home, having visited her elderly mother.
The exact details of the fatal attack are not known but prosecutors said Higgins grabbed Ms McAlear, repeatedly punched her on the head and body as well as 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 television as 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 reports. She told Higgins: ‘You have pleaded guilty to taking the life of your partner in the truly tragic circumstances described.’
