Men jailed for murdering 'beloved' Kilwinning father in doorstep stabbing

Two men have been jailed for a minimum of 18 years for murdering a "beloved father" who was stabbed to death on his own doorstep.

Kieran Lindsay and Marshall Strachan, both 21, attacked John Taylor, 44, in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, on 18 October 2024.

The pair were convicted last month, and returned to the High Court in Glasgow for sentencing on Monday.

In his sentencing statement, judge Lord Athurson said the crime was instigated by Lindsay and executed by a masked Strachan as he handed down life sentences with at least 18 years behind bars.

The judge branded it a "pre-planned, concerted and targeted exercise in violent retribution", adding: "You in effect disembowelled a man outside his home address in a single blow attack with a knife which had a minimum blade length of nine inches."

Lindsay and Strachan carried out the daylight murder in Pollock Crescent.

The judge said Mr Taylor was stabbed in the stomach, just below the rib cage on the left side of his abdomen, after answering his door.

First offenders Lindsay and Strachan fled the scene as neighbours sought to "comfort and care" for the victim.

Mr Taylor died due to the effects of blood loss.

The killers disposed of the murder weapon and attempted to burn incriminating evidence linking them to the crime.

Lord Athurson stated: "Your conduct together before, during and after this crime was almost a textbook illustration of planned concert in a case of murder."

The judge praised Mr Taylor's family for their "quiet dignity" and "admirable restraint" throughout the trial.

He added: "Mr Taylor was a beloved father, son and brother, a generous and thoughtful man whose death has left an unfillable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him."

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Detective Superintendent Graham McCreadie also paid tribute to Mr Taylor's family at the time of Lindsay and Strachan's conviction.

He said: "This was a brutal, pre-meditated and targeted murder. Lindsay and Strachan now rightly face the consequences of their actions.

"Our thoughts remain with 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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Men jailed for murdering 'beloved' Kilwinning father in doorstep stabbing