Violent criminal Christopher Brown jailed for life for murder of Henry White in Fife

A violent criminal has been jailed for life and given a minimum of 13 years behind bars for murdering a man in Fife.

Christopher Brown, 36, attacked Henry White, 57, in a fatal attack that left the victim unconscious three times.

The court heard Brown repeatedly elbowed White. He also punched and kneed him before dragging the unconscious victim outside and throwing him.

Mr White suffered multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung and other injuries in the deadly attack at a house in the Erskine Wind area of Oakley in March 2023.

Advocate depute Michelle Brannagan told Brown’s trial: “Henry White blacked out not once, not twice, but three times that night.”

Jurors were told the incident took place at the home of Brown’s then-girlfriend.

Mr White was enjoying a drink with the woman when Brown returned from the bath and grabbed his victim, claiming the pair were talking about him.

The woman said Brown elbowed Mr White “pretty hard” in the face, knocking him unconscious.

When he came to, the woman said she asked him to go home. However, the situation worsened when Brown launched a fatal attack.

Brown denied murder but was found guilty last month following a trial at the High Court. Edinburgh.

Judge Lady Hood at Inverness High Court on Thursday sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum of 13 years’ imprisonment.

Lady Hood highlighted the victim impact statements prepared by Mr White’s family.

The judge said: “They speak movingly of their grief at the death of their much-loved husband, brother and stepfather, of his kindness and gentleness, and of the milestones he will now have to miss.

“Their lives will not be the same without him, and no sentence I impose will be sufficient to help the family of Henry White cope with their loss.”

Brown reportedly has a lengthy criminal record, including previous convictions for assault.

Lady Hood noted that Brown had only been released from custody two months before the murder.

The judge accepted he had tried to accept responsibility for Mr White’s death by entering a guilty plea to the lesser charge of murder, but this was rejected by the Crown.

Lady Hood added: “You told the author of the (background) report that you did not kill Henry White deliberately.

“Although the author of the report believes that you showed some remorse, you did not link your behavior to the death of someone you considered a friend.

“Your sentence for this offense represents a significant increase in an already serious offence.

“The report’s author estimates that until you address your offending behavior and the consequences of alcohol abuse and receive long-term support for your mental health, you will continue to pose a direct risk to others.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Kieran Marsh said: “Brown will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope today’s result brings some comfort to Henry’s family and friends, who have shown great strength throughout the investigation and trial.

“Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with what happened to him.”