Man jailed for murdering 'beautiful and caring' partner at her home in Chirnside
Last updated 24th Jul 2025
A 32-year-old man who murdered his partner in a "sustained and savage" attack at her home in the Scottish Borders has today been "jailed for life" - and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years behind bars.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard Corey Dryden repeatedly struck Megan Hughes on the head and body with a knife and claw hammer at the address in Chirnside on Sunday, February 9th.
The 31-year-old, who was stabbed 27 times, later died from her injuries.
Dryden, who attended the hearing via videolink from prison, showed no emotion as Lord Harrower sentenced him.
Today's sentence means he will remain in prison for the rest of his life, unless a Parole Board decides he is safe to be released on license.
The court heard how, about 2.15am, the couple's next-door neighbour in the Berwickshire village was woken by the sound of a disturbance, and heard Megan repeatedly shouting for help and Dryden telling her to "shut up".
Ms Hughes had sustained stab wounds to the front and back of her chest, face, neck and left arm, and "blunt force trauma" to the front and back of her head.
Instead of calling the emergency services to help Megan, Dryden waited more than two hours before eventually dialling 999.
He initially claimed she had attacked him and he had acted in self-defence but, last month, admitted murdering his partner.
'Such was the nature of the injuries you inflicted, (her family) were deprived of the opportunity to look at her face one last time...'
The judge told Dryden his actions had caused "terrible devastation" to Ms Hughes's entire family.
Passing sentence, Lord Harrower said: "Ms Hughes also sustained defence-type injuries to her left thumb and left wrist, indicating that she remained conscious and aware of what was happening during at least part of the attack.
"Such was the nature of the injuries you inflicted, they were deprived of the opportunity to look at her face one last time. No sentence of this court can alleviate their anguish."
The judge also recounted an incident in a pub on September 22th last year, just five months before the fatal attack, which saw police called.
"When they arrived they witnessed you shouting and swearing at Ms Hughes, calling her derogatory names," he said.
He went on: "Ms Hughes had expressed a fear that you would kill her if she returned home that night.
"Ultimately those fears were realised."
'Ms Hughes had expressed a fear that you would kill her if she returned home that night. Ultimately those fears were realised."
He added: "When asked why you kept a knife and a hammer in the bedroom at all, you said that you were concerned about the possibility of a break-in, although there had been no history of break-ins at your home, and no known issues with neighbouring properties.
"You continually refer to having 'blanked out' or your recollection being a 'blur. The result of all of this is that Megan’s family have to live with what they refer to as the 'constant torture' of not knowing the circumstances in which you murdered their loved one.
"In this trail of confusion that you have left behind, there are traces of pre-meditation. For example, in the days leading up to the murder, you sent texts to friends and family in which you said that 'living here could make (you) (g)o to jail', that you were 'gonna do time', and that you wished you were single.
"At the very least, you were clearly struggling, as the narrative puts it, 'to manage your emotions within the context of the relationship'."
Earlier, Dryden's advocate Lili Prais KC told the court he accepts "full responsibility for the monstrous crime", and is "deeply remorseful".
She read out a written statement from Dryden in which he said: "No sentence I get will justify or bring closure to her family.
"The despicable, monstrous crime I have committed, I have turned everyone's life upside down.
"I will never be able to forgive myself, or accept the pain I have caused."
She added Dryden has little memory of what happened on the night of the attack, saying he had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol and that it had been a "blur".
Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Corey Dryden is a violent and dangerous man who murdered Megan Hughes in her home, where she had the right to be safe.
“After subjecting her to a horrific assault, he left his partner on the floor to die instead of calling for help.
“His cruel and callous actions have robbed Megan of her future and left her family and loved ones to deal with this unimaginable loss. Our thoughts remain with them.
“Dryden has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which should send a clear message to perpetrators of domestic abuse.
“We will use all the tools available to us to seek justice and ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions."
She added: “Violence against women and girls is a blight on our society, and I would urge anyone affected to report it to the police when they feel ready and able to do so.”
In a statement released at the time, Megan's family said her loss has "left a massive hole" in their lives, and they are all "absolutely devastated".
She has been described as a "much-loved mother and daughter", who was "beautiful and caring".
Police Scotland Detective Chief Inspector Laura White added: “This was a vicious and calculated attack by Dryden that tragically resulted in Megan’s death.
“His actions have robbed a family of their mum, daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece.
“Our thoughts very much remain with Megan’s family and friends as they come to terms with what happened to her."
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