John Haugen jailed for murdering Grace Kissell in money row

A man who murdered his landlady after a dispute over money has been jailed for a minimum of 19 years.

Former soldier John Haugen, 41, stabbed Grace Kissell 27 times at the flat he rented from her in Linwood, Renfrewshire, in May this year.

The court heard he snapped after fearing Miss Kissell was going to evict him from his property.

Judge Lady Rae said it was an "appalling and frenzied attack on a defenceless woman".

Haugen was jailed for life and told he would have to serve at least 19 years in prison before he could apply for parole.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Haugen, who was originally from Dumfries, had argued with Ms Kissell, whom he claimed had owed him £2,000.

The court had previously heard how Miss Kissell rented the housing association flat in Cowal Drive, but then sublet it to Haugen in January 2014.

Haugen - who had been a lance corporal with the Royal Regiment of Scotland - had recently left the armed forces following a hearing problem.

He made payments towards rent and council tax.

He later claimed he was owed £2,000 by Miss Kissell, who ran a childminding and after-school business.

On 14 May he sent Miss Kissell a text stating: "I can be nasty too Grace, don't want to be, I just want what I'm owed and that's it."

When she went to the flat to meet Haugen, he "snapped" and stabbed her, the court heard.

In a 999 call, Haugen told the operator he had committed a murder, adding: "I am not going to do a runner - what's the point?"

He also called his father and sister to admit he had killed someone.

Murray Macara, defending, said Haugen had a fear of being homeless after leaving the armed forces.

The QC added that, prior to the murder, the ex-soldier claimed Miss Kissell told him he had just two hours to leave the flat.

Mr Macara went on: "He maintains that is what caused him to lose self control and attack Miss Kissell.

"The subject that upset him more than any other was the prospect of being made homeless."

Sentencing him, Judge Lady Rae said: "It is extremely concerning that you lost control to the extent that you did."