EDINBURGH MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL KNIFE MURDER OF EX-GIRLFRIEND AND PROTECTOR

A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the brutal murder of Charles Paul at a flat in Granton Crescent, Edinburgh, in March 2023. The offender, Sam Atkins, 29, was found guilty of murder and two assault charges against Raehanna Cameron, his former partner. The court heard that Atkins, who was angry after being dumped by Ms Cameron, attacked her and Mr Paul, who attempted to protect her. Charles Paul, a 69-year-old night porter, was stabbed at least 22 times during the assault. The incident stemmed from a relationship that started in January 2022 but later felt "unsafe" for Ms Cameron, who wanted to end it. Atkins, who was under the influence and had no memory of the killing, was described by defence as having difficulty accepting what he had done. The judge, Lord Clark, called the murder "an act of appalling brutality" and sentenced Atkins to at least 18 years, with parole decisions to be made later. Police Scotland welcomed the sentence, stating they hoped it would bring closure for Mr Paul’s family. The court also highlighted that Atkins had assaulted Ms Cameron shortly before the attack, and the incident was characterized as "despicable acts" by law enforcement. The court heard that Atkins found Ms Cameron in her flat with Mr Paul, held knives in the hallway, and escalated into violence after she locked herself in a room. Ms Cameron called emergency services, and police arrived during Atkins' escape through a second-floor window, with him later tracked by a police dog. Officer Det. Ch Insp George Calder condemned Atkins' actions as "despicable and callous," showing complete disregard for life and safety.