Lukasz Czapla has received a life sentence after being found unanimously guilty of murdering his two-year-old son Julias in Muirhouse, Edinburgh.

Czapla told the High Court that he had shot his son in the head with an air gun before stabbing him with a skewer like instrument and smothering him with a pillow.

The court heard that it was an act of ‘revenge and jealousy’ to get back at his former partner after he discovered that she was in a new relationship. Czapla told the court that he did it in a ‘sick trip ‘after having consumed alcohol and anti-depressant medication. 

He denied murdering the child but offered a plea of guilty to a charge of culpable homicide. This offer was rejected by the Crown. 

Ian McSporran QC defending, urged jurors to convict his client of culpable homicide. His position was that Czapla had diminished responsibility at the time of Julius’ death. Psychiatrist, Dr Alexander Quinn, gave evidence stating that ‘depressive illness had a substantial role that led to the killing’. 

Alan Cameron, prosecuting, urged jurors to convict Czapla of murder. He said the evidence showed that he was motivated by anger and jealousy towards his former partner and that his actions were ‘narcissistic and entitled’.

Lord Beckett sentenced Czapla to life in prison with a minimum of 23 years before parole. Lord Beckett stated: ‘You have been found guilty of murdering your two-year-old son. For murder you will be sentenced to life in prison.’