Justice has finally been done
MURDERER Keiran Botterill carried the knife that killed Zak Brown because of a drug-induced paranoia, it was claimed today.The 26-year-old heroin and crack addict was terrorised by panic as he came down from the high of his substance-abusing, so he kept the deadly weapon as protection, friends said.
Josh Warwick
MURDERER Keiran Botterill carried the knife that killed Zak Brown because of a drug-induced paranoia, it was claimed today.
The 26-year-old heroin and crack addict was terrorised by panic as he came down from the high of his substance-abusing, so he kept the deadly weapon as protection, friends said. Today, as Botterill begins a mandatory life sentence following his conviction at Ipswich Crown Court, details of his turbulent past began to emerge. The former Stowmarket High School student:
Had already been convicted of knife crimes before he stabbed Mr Brown.
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Began to fall off the rails two years ago as a spiralling drug-dependency took hold of his life.
Regularly stole to support his habit.
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Fell apart when lover Heidi Stevens ended their relationship.
The half-brother of Mr Brown spoke of his delight at the verdict. Ronnie Brown, right, said Botterill's conviction for killing his 21-year-old sibling had brought closure to the tragedy.
He said: “It does not help with the loss we have suffered, but at least justice has finally been done. I am happy with the outcome.
“I think that 13 years is not really long enough, but it's something we have to live with. I suppose it was only one stab wound.
“It's been a hard time for all of us and losing a 21-year-old sibling has been very difficult to deal with. Thankfully, the jury put a lot of thought into the case and reached a unanimous verdict.”
Mr Brown, who lives in Aberdeen, is soon to become a father for the first time and is planning to honour his late brother in the name he chooses for his new son.
“Since Zak's death my sister has given birth to a little boy, who she named Kane-Zak in memory of our brother. I am going to use Zak's middle name, Spencer, for my son's middle name.
“My partner fell pregnant at the time my little brother was murdered. After we had buried Zak, she found out she was pregnant. I have lost a sibling but gained a son. I think Zak would be really pleased for me.
“I think he would be grateful and very proud that we have kept on his name. He may be gone but he is still thought of every day.”
