Sadistic killer who filmed dying victim jailed for 'barbaric' murder

A sadistic killer who brutally murdered a man and filmed him dying has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years.

Jordan Honeyman, 31, carried out the "shocking and violent attack" on Alan Lawson, 36, at a house in Largs, North Ayrshire, during the weekend of 2-4 February 2024.

Mr Lawson, from Saltcoats, died at University Hospital Crosshouse on 6 February 2024.

Judge Lord Arthurson branded it a "barbaric murder".

In his sentencing statement, he said: "The crime of murder committed by you in this case was as exceptionally callous as it was brutal.

"The violence inflicted by you upon Mr Lawson included injuries designed to cause him particular pain. These were, in my view, nothing less than acts of torture."

Honeyman was on Thursday found guilty of murder following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was handed a life sentence with at least 25 years behind bars.

Jurors heard how the fatal attack occurred at Honeyman's home.

Mr Lawson was repeatedly punched and kicked on the head and body and was struck with a sharp instrument.

Honeyman jumped from a staircase onto his victim, scalded his feet, removed his clothing, applied superglue to his injuries, forced him into a shower, and failed to seek any medical help.

The court also heard how Honeyman filmed Mr Lawson as he lay naked and dying in a pool of his own blood.

The killer went on to send the footage to another person, threatening: "You're going to be that next dead body."

In the video, Honeyman was said to be naked to the waist - with his torso, chest, and face smeared in his victim's blood.

Lord Arthurson said the clip showed Honeyman had "revelled" in what he had done, describing it as "strongly resonant of a scene from some form of dystopian work of fiction".

Honeyman attempted to cover his tracks and sought help from friends to evade justice.

This included assistance to clean up evidence, as well as the provision of vehicles to remove Mr Lawson from his house on 4 February 2024 and return the victim to his own home.

Lord Arthurson said: "Having heard the evidence at this trial, I wish to put on record that every one of these individuals ought to be thoroughly ashamed of what they did to assist you."

The judge said Mr Lawson's head and neck injuries led to arterial blood clotting, which in turn led to a massive stroke that caused his death.

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Honeyman was eventually traced and arrested following a Police Scotland investigation and later appeared in court charged with murder.

Lord Arthurson acknowledged the "moving and eloquent" victim impact statements provided by Mr Lawson's mother and one of his brothers.

The judge said: "Their lives, and those of all who knew and loved Mr Lawson, will be forever changed by his murder at your hands."

Detective Chief Inspector Ally Semple described it as a "shocking and violent attack" and said it had been "devastating" for the family and friends of Mr Lawson.

He added: "Honeyman will now face the consequences of his actions.

"While no outcome can truly ease the pain of losing Alan, we hope this conviction and sentencing will bring some comfort to his loved ones."

(c) Sky News 2026: Sadistic killer who filmed dying victim jailed for 'barbaric' murder