Man jailed for murdering woman in Ayr flat

A man has been hand a life sentence for murdering a mother of two in Ayr.

At the High Court in Glasgow 55-year-old John Prentice admitted killing 41-year-old Ann McLean – who was known as Ruth– at a house in Main Road on November 28, 2018.

Prosecutor Paul Kearney said: “At the time of her death Ann McLean was in a relationship with John Prentice which began in 2017.

“In the weeks preceding her death both had been staying at the home of Lisa Hutchison. Ms Hutchison told police that Prentice told her that Ann 'was the only thing keeping him here.”

At 3am Ann was alive and well, but at 5.20am she heard Prentice shout “Lisa” and went through to their bedroom which was in darkness.

Mr Kearney said: “When she turned on the light she saw Ann McLean was lying, clearly very seriously injured.

“She described her as lying rigid with her arms at her side, covered in blood and the mattress soaked in blood.”

Prentice's jeans were soaked in blood and he said: “I don't want to be here anymore.”

Ms Hutchison did not see any injuries on Prentice, but noticed a large knife with a taped handle lying on the floor of the bedroom.

When police arrived at 5.35am Ann was dead and the accused also had wounds. He was conscious and mumbling and incoherent. A large knife was at his feet.

Police found two notes which appeared to be suicide notes in the bedroom.

Pathologists said that the cause of death was slash wounds to Ann's neck.

Prentice who has a previous convictions for attempted murder at the High Court in Kilmarnock, was sentenced by judge Lord Fairley who told Prentice there was only one sentence he could pass – life imprisonment.

He will serve a minimum of 18 years in jail.