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Two young men, Marshall Strachan and Kieran Lindsay, both aged 21, have been found guilty of murdering John Taylor, 44, following a fatal stabbing outside his home in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, on 18 October 2024. The attack was reportedly linked to a dispute involving Lindsay and Taylor. Authorities characterized the incident as “a brutal, pre-meditated and targeted murder.”
During the trial at Glasgow’s High Court, Judge Lord Arthurson emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as “the gravest crime in our law,” and made clear that both men would receive life sentences. Sentencing is scheduled for the following month.
Evidence presented in court revealed that a third individual, 29-year-old Kiey O’Connor, had driven Strachan and Lindsay to Taylor’s residence but claimed ignorance of their intentions. After arriving, Strachan and Lindsay exited the vehicle, with Strachan notably wearing a snood. According to the prosecution, the pair were out of sight from CCTV for nearly two minutes shortly after 1:12 am. It was during this time that Strachan stabbed Taylor in the abdomen. A neighbor and friend of the victim, Fiona Houston, witnessed the two men at the doorstep and believed an altercation, including a punch, took place. Taylor was later found with severe stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In closing statements, prosecutor Erin Campbell detailed the perpetrators’ actions following the attack. Strachan fled on foot while Lindsay calmly returned to the car. They were then driven to a location known as the waterpath in Kilwinning. Campbell remarked on their later behavior, stating that the two men “casually” burned potential evidence in a nearby grassy area approximately 17 minutes after the stabbing. The prosecutor questioned whether this indicated panic or planning. Meanwhile, O’Connor reportedly became aware of the stabbing through his brother and later sold the getaway car, a Volkswagen Polo, for £40. Call records also showed that the driver had looked up police station opening times and attempted to contact the police via the non-emergency number 101. O’Connor was arrested and initially charged with murder, but that charge was eventually dropped after he cooperated and gave evidence during the trial.
Additionally, O’Connor pleaded guilty to two drug supply charges related to activity in Ayrshire between 13 and 18 October 2024, as well as to attempting to pervert the course of justice. Judge Lord Arthurson, noting O’Connor’s lack of prior convictions and his cooperation at trial, admonished him but decided that an 18-month sentence was the maximum appropriate, crediting time already served in custody.
The jury found Strachan and Lindsay guilty of murder, with their sentencing postponed pending background reports. They remain in custody awaiting the life sentences mandated by law. Detective Superintendent Graham McCreadie described the killing as “brutal, pre-meditated and targeted,” acknowledging the pain inflicted on John Taylor’s family and friends and expressing hope that justice provides some measure of solace
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