Darrin Callander's jail term extended over Brian Scott murder
A man who murdered a friend in his own home has had his minimum jail term increased by appeal court judges.
Darrin Callander, 40, admitted killing Brian Scott, 54, at a flat in Gilbert Circle, Dumfries, in April this year.
He was originally jailed for life with a minimum term of nine years and nine months for the murder.
Prosecutors argued that was too lenient and the Court of Criminal Appeal agreed and extended that part of his sentence to 14 years and six months.
"Callander pleaded guilty to what can properly be described as a brutal and sustained attack," advocate depute Alex Prentice QC told the court.
Lord Justice Clerk Lord Carloway also noted that he had a string of convictions involving violence, carrying weapons and obstructing police.
At a hearing in September, Callander admitted murdering Mr Scott - known as "Tucker" - on 25 April.
The court heard how they had been drinking along with another man when Callander suddenly jumped up and pulled his victim to the floor.
He then carried out a sustained attack, ignoring pleas to stop.
Doctors found Mr Scott had suffered a catalogue of injuries, including smashed ribs, a ruptured spleen, fractured vertebrae and brain damage.
They had been caused by kicks, punches and stamping, the court heard.
After hearing an account of the murder judge Lord Burns fixed Callander's minimum sentence at just short of 10 years.
Defence QC Jack Davidson told the appeal court that although the sentence was light, Lord Burns had taken into account all the relevant facts and used his discretion properly.
The appeal judges disagreed and extended the minimum term.
Lord Carloway told Callander that if he had not pleaded guilty the punishment part would have been 17 years.