Man jailed for murder in the Granton area of Edinburgh that happened in March 2023

A 29-year-old man has been jailed after previously pleading guilty to the murder of a man and the serious assault of a woman in Edinburgh in March 2023.

Sam Atkins (pictured) appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 22 January, 2024, and was sentenced to 18 years.



Officers were called to a flat in the Granton Crescent area of the city on 25 March, 2023, following a report of a disturbance.

Charles Paul, aged 69, was found with fatal injuries. A 36-year-old woman was found with serious but not life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

Atkins was arrested at the scene. He was charged the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “We welcome the sentencing and hope that it brings some kind of closure for Charles’s family and friends and that of the woman also.

“These were despicable and callous acts carried out by Atkins, who showed an utter disregard for the life of Charles Paul or for the woman he seriously assaulted.

 "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.”