Mark Connor, a sadistic killer who was serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of Allan West, has died at HMP Low Moss. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed Connor’s death on March 21, 2025, but the cause of death has not been disclosed. In accordance with prison protocol, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will be conducted to establish the full circumstances.
The Brutal Murder of Allan West
Connor, 51, along with his accomplice Stewart Muircroft, 46, was convicted of the murder of Allan West, a 67-year-old vulnerable man, during an extended, violent assault at Allan’s flat in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, on August 21 and 22, 2022. Allan suffered over 70 injuries during the attack, which included being punched, kicked, and bludgeoned with various objects like poles, mugs, a washing machine door, a television, and a vacuum cleaner.
The severity of the attack led to Allan’s death from blunt force head and chest injuries. During the trial, Lord Arthurson described the incident as an “utterly brutal and murderous attack”.
Callous Aftermath
Shockingly, Connor and Muircroft used Allan’s bank card to buy a scratch card, beer, and tobacco at a local Asda shortly after the killing. Muircroft claimed he did not know the card belonged to Allan and that Connor had handed it to him.
Muircroft, a second-dan black belt in Taekwondo, presented himself as a non-violent man during his testimony, stating, “I have always thought of others before myself.” However, forensic evidence tied Muircroft directly to the crime scene, with his DNA found on a vacuum cleaner used in the attack.
The pair reportedly consumed alcohol and cocaine before launching their savage assault on Allan. The trial revealed both men had extensive criminal records, totaling over 60 convictions, with Connor himself having been sentenced to prison 19 times previously, including a conviction for assault and robbery.
Conflicting Stories
Connor and Muircroft blamed each other during the trial. Muircroft insisted he only tried to “restrain” Connor and prevent him from attacking Allan further. He claimed that he didn’t see the victim due to poor visibility, and any blood on him was from holding Connor back.
Conversely, Connor pointed the finger at Muircroft during a police interview, stating Muircroft was the primary aggressor. Connor chose not to give evidence during the trial.
The Sentence
Both Connor and Muircroft were sentenced to life imprisonment at the High Court in Glasgow on July 3, 2024, with a minimum term of 20 years before parole could be considered. However, just eight months later, Connor died in his prison cell. The nature of his death has not yet been confirmed.
Family Devastation and Reaction
Following the sentencing, Allan West’s family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief:
“We are absolutely devastated by these events. Allan was a much-loved father and will be sorely missed.”
The court’s decision provided some sense of justice for the grieving family, but the brutality of the crime remains haunting.
Next Steps
The Scottish Prison Service has initiated the Fatal Accident Inquiry process as standard procedure. The results of the inquiry will be made public upon completion, and further information regarding Connor’s death may be revealed.
