Pair who murdered man on doorstep in 'brutal' premeditated stabbing jailed

Two thugs convicted of murdering a man who was stabbed on his own doorstep have been given life sentences.

Marshall Strachan, 21, and Kieran Lindsay, 21, assaulted John Taylor, 44, in Kilwinning, on October 18, 2024.

Strachan and Lindsay were found guilty of murder after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow last month.

Judge Lord Arthurson sentenced the first offenders to a minimum of 18 years behind bars.

‘Violent retribution’

The judge said: “He was a beloved father, son and brother, and his death has left an unfillable void for those who loved him.

“There was a concerted nature to the crime, and on the evidence, it was instigated by Lindsay and executed by Strachan. I have made no distinction between you.

“This was a pre-planned, targeted, violent retribution.

“You dismembered a man who was outside his home address in a single blow attack while one of you was masked.

“You left him to bleed to death while neighbours tended to him.

“You left by car and destroyed items linking you to the crime.

“In all the circumstances, I impose upon you a mandatory sentence.”

The attack took place amid an apparent issue between Lindsay and Mr Taylor.

The High Court in Glasgow was told that Kiey O’Connor, 29, drove Strachan and Lindsay to Mr Taylor’s home. O’Connor was unaware of what was to take place.

Jurors were told that Lindsay and Strachan left the vehicle. Strachan was seen wearing a snood.

The men were out of the CCTV camera shot for a period of one minute and 56 seconds at around 1.12pm.

Prosecutor Erin Campbell said: “During this time, they attended the door of John Taylor.

“While there, Marshall Strachan stabbed John Taylor to the abdomen.”

John Taylor died in Kilwinning Police Scotland

Mr Taylor’s friend and neighbour saw the two men at his door, to which he answered and went down the first step.

She believed that one of the men had “punched” Mr Taylor after an apparent conversation.

Mr Taylor was later found at his doorstep with a “significant stab wound.”

Jurors were told: “Strachan ran away down the lane while Lindsay walked, simply walked with his hands in his pockets, and went back to the car and got in.

“The car then drove away to where Strachan had stopped running, and he got in the car.”

O’Connor was told by Lindsay to drop them off at an area in Kilwinning called “The Waterpath.”

Miss Campbell told the jurors in her closing speech: “By 1.29pm, 17 minutes later, Strachan and Lindsay were casually walking to a grass area where they burned potential evidence.

“Is that the actions of panicked people dealing with an unexpected situation or was it a plan?”

Miss Campbell stated that O’Connor was “unaware” of what had happened at the property.

The advocate depute said: “He became aware through his brother that someone had been stabbed.”

O’Connor replied to his brother: “This motor is probably getting watched, I think I’ve f***ed it.”

O’Connor later sold the Volkswagen Polo car for £40 to his friend David Morrison. The vehicle was then put on Facebook Marketplace.

Call records revealed that the driver had searched the opening times for Saltcoats Police Office and had attempted to dial 101.

O’Connor was later arrested and charged with the murder.

However, the murder charge against him was later dropped, and he gave evidence which “assisted the Crown” at the trial of Lindsay and Strachan.

O’Connor pleaded guilty to two charges of being concerned in the supply of drugs in Ayrshire between October 13 and 18, 2024.

The first offender also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was admonished by Judge Lord Arthurson, who said: “I have reached the view that the highest sentence I can impose is 18 months.

“You have already spent 20 months in custody, and you gave evidence in this trial over several days.

“You have no previous convictions, and I have taken the view that admonition is appropriate.”

Strachan and Lindsay were found guilty of murder by the jury.

‘Brutal, premeditated and targeted murder’

Detective superintendent Graham McCreadie said: “This was a brutal, premeditated and targeted murder. Lindsay and Strachan now rightly face the consequences of their actions.

“Our thoughts remain with the John Taylor’s family and friends at this difficult time. Nothing will ever make up for their loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in seeing justice being done.

“This investigation involved a number of specialisms, including officers from the Major Investigation Team and local division, which resulted in prolonged police activity in the Kilwinning area. I want to thank residents for their patience and support throughout our enquiries

“We care deeply about violence and how it affects the communities we serve. Police Scotland remains committed to addressing the harmful effects of violent crime and supporting victims.”