Killer who knifed pal to death and poured bleach into his mouth jailed

CHRISTOPHER MCMAHON WAS DISCOVERED AFTER EMERGENCY SERVICES WERE CALLED TO A PROPERTY ON BRAXFIELD TERRACE IN THE TOWN AT AROUND 10PM ON OCTOBER 4, 2023. 10:17, 29 May 2025Updated 10:37, 29

May 2025 A thug who stabbed a man to death and poured bleach in his mouth at a home in Lanark has been jailed for 22 years. Christopher McMahon was discovered after emergency services were

called to a property on Braxfield Terrace in the town at around 10pm on October 4, 2023. Ambulance crews attended but the 31-year-old was pronounced dead a short time later sparking a major

police probe. Stephen Kelly, 29, was later arrested and pled guilty to murder at the High Court in Glasgow last month. The court heard Kelly viciously attacked McMahon with an 18-inch

hunting knife in the victim's flat. He repeatedly stabbed the father-of-two to his neck and chest, hit him with a bottle and poured bleach into his mouth during the attack. Article

continues below Neighbours said they had heard 'arguing, banging and furniture being thrown about' on the night of the murder. The thug then called his cousin and said: "I

think I have killed him. He then made a number of remarks about his victim to officers, including: "I will do the 25 years. I do not regret it one bit. I put bleach in his mouth and

everything when he was dead." Kelly had been due to stand trial but pled guilty to murder last month and he was sentenced to 22 years in prison at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

In victim impact statements McMahon's family described him as 'a loving man with contagious energy' who had a 'full life' ahead of him. Lady Hood told Kelly:

"Your attack on Christopher McMahon on October 4 2023 was brutal, sustained and deadly. "You inflicted stab wounds with a knife or similar instrument, struck him on the head with a

bottle, and repeatedly stamped on his head causing blunt force trauma injuries. "Disturbingly, you poured bleach or a similar substance into Mr McMahon's mouth, behaviour which

you remain unable to explain. Although you admitted to the police after your murderous attack what you had done, you showed no remorse at all." The judge added: "His family's

extreme distress and grief is obvious, as they explain how their lives have been ripped apart. No sentence which I impose will be enough to help Christopher McMahon's family with their

loss." Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson said: “Christopher’s family has been left devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. I hope this sentence

brings at least a degree of closure for them. "I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of

the public who assisted with our enquiries.” Article continues below