Three people have been jailed for life for the "merciless" murder of a man at a flat.

Defenceless Haider Hayat, 49, was subjected to a "sustained" and "relentless" attack with lethal weapons at the property in Raithburn Road, Castlemilk, Glasgow, on April 3 last year.

He suffered more than 100 injuries and his throat was cut in the assault, which likely began when he was asleep.

Muhammed Rauf, Shahida Abid and Saima Hayat were all convicted of murder at the High Court in Glasgow last month.

Main assailant Rauf, 42, was ordered to spend a minimum of 24 years behind bars when he returned to the court for sentencing on Tuesday.

The victim's wife, 34-year-old Saima Hayat, who was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice, was told she would spend at least 25-and-a-half years in jail before she can be considered for release.

Saima Hayat

Her co-accused 33-year-old Shahida Abid, Rauf's wife, who also tried to cover up the crime, was given a life sentence with a 25-and-a-half year minimum term.

Passing sentence, judge Lady Rae told them: "All three of you are responsible for what was a merciless attack on Mr Hayat and all three of you are equally responsible for his death."

The judge's comments were released by the Judicial Office for Scotland following the hearing.

The court heard that pathology evidence showed that Mr Hayat had sustained at least 100 severe blows to his head, while his throat and neck had been cut at least 16 times.

He also had numerous other blunt force injuries to other parts of his body, including defensive wounds.

Lady Rae told the killers: "You have all been convicted by the jury of the brutal murder of a defenceless man who was, at the start of the assault, in all probability, asleep in his bed.

"He was then subjected to a sustained, relentless and merciless attack with lethal weapons.

"From the chilling recording which the jury heard of the noise from within the flat, it is clear that this attack lasted in excess of six minutes. The number of injuries Mr Hayat sustained were so extensive that it was difficult to count them."

The judge also rejected Saima Hayat's claims that her husband had been abusive towards her.

"From the evidence I have heard in this case I am satisfied that you Saima Hayat were the abusive partner in this relationship and not your husband," Lady Rad said.

"The evidence disclosed that you are a manipulative, scheming woman."

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Willison, of Police Scotland, welcomed the lengthy sentences handed out.

Speaking after the hearing, he said: "Haider Hayat was subjected to a brutal and sustained violent attack in the property where young children were present.

"This brings to a close a chilling investigation of acts which are simply unacceptable in our society.

"I hope Haider's family are now able to be comforted that his murderers are in prison for a very long time and in some way can move on."