A KILLER who brutally murdered his neighbour by stabbing him 47 times has been jailed for at least 16 and a half years.

Quintus Montague, 34, attacked Paul Halley at his flat in Carluke last July.

The 43 year-old was discovered the next morning by Montague's brother lying in his blood-stained Celtic top.

Paul lived directly above Montague, who only moved there a month before the killing.

He stayed with his brother Marcus and his sibling's partner.

Paul had been at home on the day of the murder with two friends.

Explaining the lead up to the attack, prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “The three heard banging from the flat below them.

“One of the friends banged on the floor in response.”

Shortly after, Montague stormed up to Paul's door. The victim ignored pleas by his friends not to answer.

Mr Farrell: “Montague had his fist clenched and was holding a key between two of his fingers.

“Mr Halley shouted at him to leave, but he did not.”

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Paul's two friends soon left leaving the pair alone in the flat.

The prosecutor went on: “At some point, the argument escalated into a physical confrontation.

“Montague picked up a knife and repeatedly struck Mr Halley causing his death.

“The murder weapon has never been found.”

The killer was later clocked fleeing and escaping over a fence.

He then turned up at a friend's home, confessed to the murder and was unsuccessful in trying to stay the night.