Samurai sword brothers convicted of murder

TWO brothers have been convicted of killing a man in his own home with a samurai sword and nunchucks after a robbery went wrong.

Victim 38-year-old Jason Bryden was stabbed six times and had three arteries severed in the attack at Hareshaw Gardens, Kilmarnock, on July 4, 2015, which was described as “a bloodbath”.

He also suffered blunt force trauma and died in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, on July 7, last year.

James Clark, 37, was found guilty of murdering Mr Bryden and faces a life sentence. His brother John, 39, was convicted of the reduced charge of culpable homicide.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the brothers from Kilmarnock, who were high on drink and drugs, decided to try to rob Mr Bryden to get back a gold bracelet which had sentimental value for them. They claimed that Mr Bryden had given them drugs in exchange for the jewellery and they wanted to steal it back.

In evidence they claimed that Mr Bryden’s death was an accident.

The brothers said that when they went to his home with their faces masked and in the case of James Clark wearing surgical gloves they found him waiting for them with a samurai sword.

But neighbours who could see into the property spoke of Mr Bryden being attacked as he sat in a sofa.

John Clark was convicted of the killing on the basis of acting in concert with his brother.

James Clark has 38 previous convictions, including one for attempted murder.

Judge Bill Dunlop QC deferred sentencing for both brothers until next month.