Pair jailed for street attack on man who later died in hospital

Two men who laughed and celebrated after they murdered a dad in a street attack in Ayrshire have been jailed for at least 18 and 17 years respectively.

Malcolm McCandlish, 43, died in hospital two weeks after Simon Roberts, 38, and Sean McKie, 37, assaulted him in Irvine in September 2024.

Judge Lady Drummond said the duo showed "utter disregard for human life" with their "senseless violence", which saw them headbutt McCandlish several times and kick him in the head.

Roberts and McKie were jailed for life after being found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow, with Roberts to serve a minimum of 18 years and McKie 17 years.

The duo were also convicted of assaulting another man, Jason Pendlebury, to his permanent disfigurement.

Lady Drummond said McCandlish "was a much-loved dad, stepdad, son, brother, uncle and partner", who was known for showing kindness and compassion.

She added: "The victim impact statement told me the devastating impact this has had on his family, partner and friends.

"They have described their lives as shattered and their grief all consuming.

"It was senseless violence from you two and your utter disregard for human life has taken that away from them. Nothing I can say or do can change that for them."

The court previously heard that Roberts and McKie spent the day together having met by chance in Irvine town centre, including going to a pub.

They then visited the victim's sister Margaret McCandlish at her home in Irvine, where McKie slapped her.

She later explained what happened to her to her brother Malcolm McCandlish and her partner Jason Pendlebury.

They later approached McKie and Roberts in the town centre and questioned them over the slap.

Roberts punched Malcolm with such force he fell to the ground.

The court heard that Roberts and McKie turned their attention to Pendlebury, who was knocked to the ground unconscious. McKie kicked Pendlebury while he was on the ground while McCandlish got back to his feet.

Prosecutor Michael McIntosh told jurors that Roberts held McCandlish and delivered "ferocious headbutts" while holding the back of his head or scruff of his neck.

CCTV played to the court showed McKie kicking the victim in the head.

In describing the pair leaving the scene, the advocate depute stated a "smile" could be seen from under Roberts' cap.

Mr McIntosh added: "McKie kicked the air while Roberts slaps him on the back and - as a detective constable put it - it was an act of celebration."

The trial also saw a selfie uploaded by one of the men which showed the pair smiling about 30 minutes after the attack.

McCandlish died from his injuries in hospital two weeks later.

A doctor stated that the injury was "the type clearly caused by the fall and likely sustained when Malcolm hit the ground."

Roberts, a painter and decorator, claimed in his evidence that he was acting in self-defence and that the victim had threatened to stab both him and McKie.

It was later revealed Roberts has five previous convictions for assault, while McKie has four previous convictions for assault.