Annan murderer guilty of ‘merciless’ punishment attack on stepmother’s ex

Brown gave evidence during the trial claiming to remember taking a knife out of the victim, but had “no recollection” of putting the blade there.

Asked by his KC Thomas Ross how the weapon would have got there, he stated: “I attribute it to Aleister Crowley. I put it down to possession. I have previous incidents which my friends have told me about.”

Brown later described how he had “removed and consumed his finger”.

In cross examination, he refuted the accusation by prosecutor Eric Robertson that he had gone to “square up” to Johnston that night.

After the verdict, Lord Mulholland deferred sentence for reports but warned Brown he might never be released.

He said it had been a “sustained, vicious and merciless attack” motivated by a desire to punish his victim for what he believed had happend to his stepmother during their relationship.

He said removing Johnston’s ring finger showed it was a “punishment attack”.

Lord Mulholland said he was excusing jurors from further jury service for life due to the “harrowing and graphic” evidence they had heard.

Police Scotland welcomed the verdict and Det Insp Graeme Robertson described Brown’s actions as “completely senseless and reckless”.

“He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions,” he said.

“While this verdict does not change the outcome, I hope it brings Joseph’s family some form of comfort.”