Man Who Murdered and Beheaded Girlfriend Jailed for Minimum of 23 Years
A 27-year-old man who brutally murdered and decapitated his girlfriend in a frenzied knife attack at their East Kilbride flat has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 23 years.
Ewan Methven, a Royal Mail postman, killed 21-year-old Phoenix Spencer-Horn in November last year after she returned home from her waitressing shift. The High Court in Glasgow heard the disturbing details of how Methven stabbed her at least 20 times, including 10 wounds to the face, using three different knives.
After killing her, Methven beheaded Phoenix and attempted to dismember her body, dumping parts of her remains in the hallway of their home. He failed to call for help and instead spent two days consuming drugs, watching pornography, and texting her mother, pretending Phoenix was still alive.
The court was told Methven had complained of being “lonely” shortly before the murder. A forensic pathologist confirmed that Phoenix endured a prolonged and violent assault.
“Soulmate” Turned Killer
Phoenix had frequently shared her love for Methven on social media, describing him as her “soulmate”. In one TikTok video, she said: “Life is so much more beautiful and full of colour with you.”
But their two-year relationship ended in horror, with prosecutors describing the killing as a “savage betrayal” of trust and affection.
Chilling Deception
Following the murder, Methven sent messages to Phoenix’s family as though she were still alive, including her worried mother, who had raised the alarm after not hearing from her daughter.
Police discovered Phoenix’s remains after forcing entry to the couple’s flat. Methven was arrested at the scene and later confessed during interviews.
Life Sentence Imposed
At Monday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Lady Carmichael described the murder as “monstrous, cruel and calculated”. She imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years before Methven becomes eligible for parole.
“You subjected a young woman who trusted you to extreme violence and then compounded that horror with cold deception,” she told the defendant.
Phoenix’s family was present in court, some visibly emotional as the sentence was read.
Support for Victims
Phoenix’s family has requested privacy at this time. Domestic violence charities have urged anyone in controlling or abusive relationships to seek help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0800 027 1234 (24/7, confidential, free).
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