Guardbridge, Scotland — A man who brutally murdered his neighbor, a beloved grandfather, before using the victim’s bank card for a spending spree was sentenced to life imprisonment, authorities said Monday. John Farquhar, 59, must serve at least 22 years for the fatal stabbing of Garry Thomson at Thomson’s residence on October 17, 2023.
After the killing, Farquhar was seen drinking and spending freely in nearby St Andrews using Thomson’s bank cards. He misled one of Thomson’s daughters by claiming he hadn’t seen her father when she expressed concern about his whereabouts.
The violent confrontation occurred after Thomson allegedly questioned Farquhar about his past involvement in the drug trade. Fearing exposure, Farquhar attacked Thomson, stabbing him multiple times in the neck and torso. The attack was so severe that Thomson succumbed to his injuries on his living room floor.
Later investigations revealed Farquhar went to extraordinary lengths to cover his tracks. He initially fled to his own flat beneath Thomson’s after the murder but returned to search for painkillers, eventually leaving with Thomson’s bank cards and house keys.
As the case unfolded, Farquhar was spotted on CCTV footage in St Andrews using the stolen cards for purchases. He was also seen socializing in Aikman’s Bar, where he bought drinks using the victim’s card.
The alarming situation came to the attention of Thomson’s youngest daughter, Yazzmine Florence, who upon failing to reach her father, visited his home with a friend and later alerted the police.
Despite initially feigning ignorance, Farquhar ultimately confessed to the crime two days later during a phone call with a detective familiar with his criminal history. According to the prosecution, Farquhar admitted to using a knife during an argument over his past criminal activities.
The impact of Thomson’s murder has deeply affected his family, causing significant emotional distress. His four daughters, whom he lived near and had a close relationship with, described the immense loss and disruption to their sense of security.
Previously, Farquhar had been implicated in drug trafficking activities and had served time in Edinburgh. Known for his history of violent crimes, this latest act led to his arrest along the Fife coastal path where he was found walking shortly after the murder.
During the sentencing, Lord Scott from the High Court in Edinburgh condemned Farquhar’s actions, highlighting the ruthlessness of using Thomson’s bank cards while his body remained undiscovered.
Defense solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin mentioned that Farquhar had relocated to Fife seeking a quieter life away from his criminal past in Edinburgh. However, the revelation of his identity and past by Thomson triggered the violent response. Pleading guilty, Farquhar acknowledged that his conscience could not bear the weight of a trial, leading to his early admission of guilt.
This tragic event has not only robbed a family of its patriarch but has also left the community in shock, grappling with the brutality and betrayal by one of their own.