A man has been given a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his best friend on a camping weekend.
William Cameron, 39, from Paisley, will serve at least 17 years before being eligible for parole for killing 43-year-old Darryl Fitch.
The attack took place at Locher Water, River Gryffe, near Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, in July 2015 where Cameron smashed his friend over the head with a blunt instrument causing him to fall from height into water.
The attack took place at Locher Water, River Gryffe, near Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, in July 2015.
Mr Fitch had 26 separate injuries including a black eye, a fractured eye socket and four deep wounds to the back of his head. five broken ribs and a fractured neck bone.
Judge Lord Mulholland told Cameron, who claimed in evidence that his friend had been killed by a stranger: “Why you did this no one knows, except you.
“You spun a web of deceit to try to hide your actions from law enforcement agencies and Mr Fitch’s family and friends. However, the jury has seen through this web of deceit and the lies about a third person being responsible. It was you that murdered Darryl Fitch.”
Lord Mulholland added: “I take into account your actions in not seeking help for Darryl Fitch as he lay dying in the water.”