Patrick Mackay

Patrick Mackay

Patrick Mackay (born September 25, 1952) is a British serial killer who was convicted of three murders in the 1970s. He is often referred to as the "Devil's Disciple" due to his fascination with Nazism and the occult.

Early Life

Patrick David Mackay was born in Dartford, Kent, England. His early life was marked by instability and violence. His father, Harold Mackay, was an alcoholic who died when Patrick was young. His mother, Marion, struggled to control him, and he exhibited violent behavior from an early age. Mackay was placed in various psychiatric hospitals and juvenile detention centers throughout his youth.

Criminal Activities

Mackay's criminal activities began with petty crimes, but they escalated over time. He was known to have a fascination with Nazism and often expressed violent fantasies. His first known murder occurred in 1974 when he killed a priest, Father Anthony Crean, in Shorne, Kent. Mackay brutally attacked Crean with an axe and then drowned him in a bathtub.

In 1975, Mackay was arrested and confessed to the murders of two elderly women, Isabella Griffiths and Adele Price. He also claimed to have committed several other murders, but these claims were never substantiated.

Trial and Imprisonment

Mackay was tried and convicted of three murders in 1975. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation that he serve at least 20 years. During his trial, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with psychopathy and schizophrenia. His mental health issues were a significant factor in his sentencing.

Incarceration

Patrick Mackay has spent most of his life in various high-security prisons in the United Kingdom. He has been the subject of numerous psychological evaluations and has been described as one of the most dangerous criminals in British history. Despite his eligibility for parole, he remains incarcerated due to the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concerns about his mental health.

Legacy

The case of Patrick Mackay has been the subject of various books and documentaries. His life and crimes continue to be studied by criminologists and psychologists interested in understanding the minds of serial killers.

See Also

• List of serial killers by country
• Psychopathy
• Schizophrenia
• Nazism