**Postman sentenced to life for ‘dreadful’ murder and decapitation of partner in East Kilbride**
A Scottish man has been given a life sentence, with a minimum term of 23 years, after admitting to the brutal murder and decapitation of his girlfriend in East Kilbride last year. Ewan Methven, 27, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow for killing 21-year-old Phoenix Spencer-Horn in November 2024.
Details heard in court painted a harrowing picture of the final hours of Ms Spencer-Horn’s life. The young woman, described as positive and well-liked by colleagues at a local hotel, spent her last evening at home with Methven, where the couple had ordered takeaway and communicated with her mother via text — messages that gave no indication of the impending tragedy.
Neighbours later stated they heard unusual commotion in the couple’s top-floor flat around midnight. Prosecutors revealed that Methven launched a frenzied attack, stabbing Ms Spencer-Horn 20 times, including 10 wounds to her face, before fatally strangling and ultimately decapitating her. The court further learned of extensive mutilation and an attempt to dismember her body.
In the hours and days following the killing, Methven engaged in a pattern of disturbing behaviour. Forensic examination of his electronics revealed he searched for internet pornography 170 times between 8am and 6.30pm the following day — a detail highlighting the chaotic and disorganised state following the murder. Additionally, Methven drove Ms Spencer-Horn’s vehicle around East Kilbride and attempted to deceive her mother by sending texts pretending Phoenix was still alive.
It was not until two days later that Methven contacted emergency services, confessing to the murder during a distressing 999 call. Speaking to the handler, he claimed to have experienced a “psychotic break”, citing the influence of cocaine, steroids, and alcohol. He admitted driving around in a fugue state, unable to recall the events that led to Ms Spencer-Horn’s death.
Police subsequently discovered the body of the victim hidden within the flat, partially covered with a towel. Methven later admitted to attempting to detach limbs in an effort to conceal the crime scene.
The tragedy of Ms Spencer-Horn’s violent death has reverberated deeply among her family and the local community. In court, Methven’s barrister, Tony Graham KC, read aloud a letter Methven wrote to the judge, expressing regret and bewilderment at his actions. According to his defence, Methven struggled with substance abuse and described the murder as “inexplicable”, insisting he loved Ms Spencer-Horn and could not fathom his actions. The defence also described the crime as a “betrayal”, noting that Methven, who had no previous convictions, was embraced as a member of Phoenix’s family during their two-year relationship.
Sentencing Methven to life imprisonment, Judge Lord Matthews condemned the “truly dreadful crime”, emphasising the victim’s youth and prospects. “At just 21, Phoenix was on the verge of a promising future,” he said. The judge criticised Methven for betraying the trust of both Phoenix and her family, not only through his acts of violence but also through his actions in the days following the murder, which deprived her family of the opportunity for any kind of closure.
Judge Matthews also addressed Methven’s attempt to rationalise his actions through substance misuse, making clear that this did not serve as an explanation for the atrocity. The judge concluded that the pain caused to the victim’s loved ones was immeasurable, with unanswered questions continuing to haunt them.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the catastrophic consequences of violence in intimate partner relationships, as well as the far-reaching impact such acts have on families and communities. As Methven begins his life sentence, Phoenix Spencer-Horn is remembered by her friends and family as a much-loved daughter, colleague and friend, her life cut devastatingly short.