Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006
Source: Mirror, The (UK)
Copyright: 2006 The Mirror
Contact:  http://www.mirror.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1161

DRUG SHEARS KILLER IS JAILED

A SOLDIER who killed the dad of a childhood friend in a  frenzied 
attack after smoking strong home-grown  cannabis was jailed yesterday.

Paratrooper Laurie Draper, 31, bludgeoned schoolteacher  53-year-old 
Paul Butterworth with a pair of garden  shears last March 7, leaving 
his body "mutilated and  barely recognisable".

He was given 10 years for manslaughter after St Alban's  crown court 
heard the drugs had sent him into an  uncontrollable psychotic rage.

Draper had smoked the drug with Mr Butterworth and pal  Ashley in 
Hoddesdon, Herts.

Judge Findlay Baker QC told him: "This was an appalling  attack of 
extreme and persistent violence. And I have  no doubt it would not 
have happened of you had not  consumed cannabis."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine