Steven McIlroy jailed for torturing Andrew Allan
A man has been jailed for eight years for torturing a vulnerable young man with learning difficulties in a bid to get money for alcohol.
Steven McIlroy, 28, was found guilty of assaulting Andrew Allan at his home in Ayr, in October last year, while acting with James Faulds, who pleaded guilty.
The victim had his hands tied, was blindfolded, hit with a knife, punched, and had his head held under water.
Sentence on Faulds was deferred until next month.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, temporary judge Michael O'Grady QC told McIlroy: "You have been convicted of the most appalling crime in what appears to be no more than an attempt to get money for drink."
The judge said that McIlroy had submitted his victim, who he knew to be deeply vulnerable, to an "unspeakable, lengthy and terrifying assault which can only be described as torture."
He added: "This young man believed he was going to die. It is abundantly clear from the evidence that you were in fact enjoying yourself.
"The attack was originally motivated by money but that turned into frankly little more than sport. I have not seen the slightest hint of contrition in these proceedings."