Sex offender who raped and murdered woman, 67, jailed for 19 years
Convicted sex offender, 30, who raped and murdered charity worker, 67, after breaking into her home when he was kicked out of a pub is jailed for 19 years
- Jason Graham, 30, raped and killed Esther Brown, 67, insider her Glasgow home
- He beat her to death with broken chair before using her card to buy cigarettes
- Killer previously raped another elderly woman in 2013 and was being monitored
- Friends of Ms Brown say punishment is not enough to protect the community
A convicted sex offender who raped and killed a pensioner inside her home has been sentenced to life in prison.
Jason Graham, 30, was handed a minimum of 19 years at Livingston Sheriff Court after previously admitting to sexually assaulting charity worker Esther Brown, 67, before battering her to death at her home in West Princes Street in Glasgow.
But friends of ‘wonderful’ Ms Brown blasted the verdict as ‘disappointing’, warning that the killer ‘poses a threat to anybody’ and that too many people have fallen prey to ‘perpetrators being let back into society.’
It comes after it was revealed Graham was previously jailed for raping an older woman in 2013.
He was released on licence in 2018 and was being monitored by police as a registered sex offender when he attacked Ms Brown.
On the night of her killing on May 28, Graham had been thrown out of a pub after he became increasingly aggressive while out drinking with family.
Graham, who previously told the court he was also high on drugs, climbed over a wall into a shared garden and broke into Ms Brown’s attic flat before launching his assault.
According to the post-mortem examination, Ms Brown, described as ‘a much-loved and active member of the community’, ‘fought for her life’ during the attack.
Jason Graham (pictured), 30, was handed a minimum of 19 years at Livingston Sheriff Court after previously admitting to sexually assaulting charity worker Esther Brown, 67, before battering her to death at her home in West Princes Street in Glasgow
The devout Christian was punched, kicked and struck over the head with pieces of wood from a broken chair that was damaged during the incident.
She was also raped by Graham, who hid her mobile and landline phones in the u-bend of her toilet.
He then chillingly stole her bank card to buy cigarettes from a local shop.
Speaking in court on Wednesday, defence lawyer Brian McConnachie QC said Graham had ‘no recollection’ of the attack, having been under the influence of drugs and having consumed a substantial amount of alcohol.
He spoke about Graham’s PTSD diagnosis after witnessing his mother’s suicide at the age of six, and how this had a lasting impact on his life.
‘There is no doubt that this adverse childhood experience is certainly a contributory factor,’ Mr McConnachie said.
However Judge Lord Armstrong said Graham’s PTSD ‘does not stop the offender being aware of his actions’, adding: ‘Excessive alcohol consumption does not detract from the nature of his actions.’
He said Graham had committed the ‘gravest of crimes involving the most depraved actions’ characterised by ‘utter brutality’- adding that he poses ‘a very high risk of reoffending’.
But after taking into account Graham’s early plea to rape and murder at a hearing last month, Lord Armstrong reduced his sentencing for the rape charge from 10 years to six years and eight months.
He said this is to run concurrently with the sentence for murder, which totals a minimum of 19 years in prison.
Speaking outside the court following sentencing, Helen Moran, who worked with Ms Brown in the community, and Sharon McKay, who lives in the Woodlands area, said they were ‘disappointed’ with Graham’s punishment.
‘It’s a worry for the community, he (Graham) poses a danger to anybody,’ Ms Moran said.
‘Esther was honestly a wonderful person, we worked together preparing meals for people in need.’
Ms McKay added: ‘The impact of her death has been huge in the community.
Devout Christian Ms Brown (pictured) ‘fought for her life’ as she was punched, kicked and struck over the head with pieces of wood from a broken chair that was damaged during the attack
‘The sentencing is very disappointing as many of us in the surrounding community have been victims of perpetrators being let back into society.
‘We need to see change in the justice system.’
Procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime David Green said: ‘This was a shockingly brutal attack on a woman in her own home.
‘Jason Graham’s conviction follows diligent work by police and specialist prosecutors to identify the accused and bring this case to court.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Ms Brown’s loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.’
Ms Brown died from blunt force trauma to the head and her body was discovered four days later after friends became concerned when they hadn’t heard from her and went to check on her.
Police were called after they received no answer and found signs of a disturbance.
Graham was arrested after his DNA was found at the scene.
At the High Court in Glasgow last month he pleaded guilty to rape and murder.
He was sentenced to 19 years before parole at the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday.
Detective Superintendent Suzanne Chow said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks to Esther’s family, friends and the public for their support and assistance during this investigation.
‘This heinous crime shocked us all and Esther’s family and friends have to live each day without her.
‘Despite the horrendous ordeal they have suffered they have continued to show great courage and strength throughout.
‘The response from the local community in the aftermath of Esther’s murder demonstrated how much love and respect there was for her and I would like to thank them for their support, which was invaluable to the inquiry team.’
Graham will remain under the Sexual Offences Act for life.
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