Relief as Ann killer is caged
Family delighted as murderer pleads guilty at last minute
The heartbroken family of a slain mum- of- two have this week said women will be safe from her killer after he was caged for 18 years.
Evil John Prentice, 54, was jailed for life after murdering 41- yearold Ann McClean ( right) from Troon, at a house party in Ayr’s Main Road in November 2018.
Ann’s devastated mum Elizabeth told the Post: “This means women will be safe.
“Ann was the third person he hurt, but this time he took her life.
“He has shattered our family but we are so relieved he has been put away.”
The heartbroken family of a mum- oftwo have paid tribute to their slain relative.
Ann McClean’s sister says justice has been served after John Prentice was jailed for life.
Prentice murdered his 41- year- old girlfriend Ann, both of Troon, at a house party at a council flat in Ayr’s Whitletts back in November 2018.
Mystery had surrounded the mother’s death before Prentice appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court charged with her murder.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Friday the 54- year- old pled guilty, just days before his trial was set to begin.
Prentice was given a life sentence, of which he will serve a minimum of 18 years.
Ann’s sister Mary Ann Stell told the Post: “I am so ecstatic.
“It is unbelievable, we are so relieved. He pled guilty to murder on Friday and his trial was set to start on Monday. They had prepared the jury and everything so it was very surprising – we couldn’t believe the quick turnaround.
“It was a big relief for us, especially for my mum because she was cited as a witness.”
Ann’s mum Elizabeth McClean added: “This means women will be safe. Ann was the third person he hurt, but this time he took her life. He has shattered our family but we are so relieved he has been put away.”
The couple had been together for a year before John brutally murdered his other half.
Ann was believed to have been at a party staged in the home of female council tenant Lisa Hutchison.
She was discovered after police were told of a man found with serious injuries within the same property.
Emergency teams raced to the Main Road flat – just yards from the Thistle pub and shopping parade.
Early reports said Ann had been decapitated, but that was later confirmed not to be the case.
It was also said that Ann met her death at the end of a sword, but that was never confirmed or denied.
Mary Ann, however, explained the brutal extent of her sister’s injuries.
She said: “We were told it was lacerations to her throat, wrists and other injuries, but we were not made aware of what weapon was used.”
In a touching tribute Mary
Ann added: “My sister was a shy, quiet, considerate and thoughtful person.
“We love her and miss her so much. We are so saddened by what he has done to our family, but this feels like closure for us.
“I just hope he never gets out of jail. Her two children will miss her for the rest of their life.”
Elizabeth added: “So many people have been interviewed over this and the police said not one person had a bad word to say about Ann.
“She was such a lovely person, we just miss her so much.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Sommerville, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “The sentencing of John
Prentice will hopefully give the family of Ann McLean closure on what has been a difficult time.
“This was an unprovoked attack from a dangerous individual and has resulted in a woman losing her life.
“John Prentice wi l l now have to face the consequences of his actions and this sentencing shows how committed Police Scotland are in bringing criminals of this nature to justice.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who came forward with information and assisted with our investigation.”
She was such a lovely person Victim’s mother