Killer lured man on dating app into 'senseless' knife murder

A man has admitted murdering a father-of-three in a "senseless, unprovoked" knife attack in Livingston.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Connor Manners, 27, told police after he was detained: "Just as well you caught me, I was going to do another one".

Manners was told he faces life imprisonment after using a dating app to lure Gary Nicol to meet in Bankton Lane in the West Lothian town in September 2024.

His lawyer, Ian Duguid KC, said his client suffered from a "personality disorder" and was being prescribed anti-psychotic medication.

Prosecutor, advocate depute Alan Cameron KC, said: "While there are no witnesses who can describe what happened, it is clear that the accused lured him there with an intention to do him harm.

"He went to the meeting armed with a knife and a crossbow and repeatedly struck Mr Nicol causing his death."

The court heard that Manners and Nicol, an HGV driver, were previously unknown to each other.

Manners had created a dating app account where he posed as a 16-year-old male.

He got in contact with Nicol and arrangements were made to meet near Williamston Primary School in Livingston.

The court heard that Nicol was found dead in the early hours of the morning after a driver saw his car at the side of the road with his body next to it.

A post-mortem examination found that he died from stab wounds to the neck and chest.

The court heard that a police investigation led to suspicion focusing on Manners and on 11 October 2024 officers went to his home.

Manners told them: "I am surprised it took you so long to be honest.

"All the evidence you need is in a black bag in the kitchen."

He added: "The knife that is stuck in the wall is the knife that was used."

Alan Cameron KC said the knife Manners referred to was stuck in a wall holding up a piece of paper titled "assassin checklist".

It contained a list of bullet points to study weapons training, human anatomy, serial killers, unsolved cases, forensics and how the police operate.

The prosecutor added: "Within the black bag were various items of clothing and shoes which were stained with Mr Nicol's blood."

Keys to Nicol's car and house were also found at the property.

Manners was taken to Livingston police station and while he was being processed announced: "Just as well you caught me, I was going to do another one."

He was seen by a forensic psychiatrist who concluded that he was unfit to be interviewed.

Alan Cameron KC added: "He told her a number of things. These included that he had killed a number of other people before.

"He provided some detail about the purported killings. Subsequent police investigation found no evidence that they had occurred."

The prosecutor added: "The accused said that on this occasion he had wanted to get caught in order that he could get his dream job as an assassin for a government or governmental agency."

Det Ch Insp Jonathan Pleasance, of Police Scotland's major investigation team said the murder was a "senseless and entirely unprovoked attack" that caused "widespread shock and concern" in Livingston.

He added: "Manners will now rightly face the consequences of his violent actions.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Gary at this difficult time.

"Nothing will ever make up for their devastating loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in seeing justice being done."

Judge Lord Renucci told Manners: "You pleaded guilty to a charge of murder. There is only one sentence which will be a life sentence."

Manners is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on 17 July.