Full Breakdown
Scottish Criminals Use Social Media to Publicize Violence
6/8/2026, 12:14:35 PM
Overview
Recent reporting shows a pattern of Scottish offenders posting on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat after violent crimes, ranging from grief to celebration, often within hours.
Offenders and Online Posts
- Nicole Blain (30) killed her 19-day-old daughter Thea Jane Wilson on 14 July 2023 in Greenock, posted TikTok videos describing the death as an “unexpected tragedy” and a draft with broken-heart emojis; sentenced to life on 28 May 2024.
- Simon Roberts (38) and Sean McKie (37) assaulted Malcolm McCandlish (43) in Irvine, Ayrshire, in September 2024, filmed the attack, posted a pub selfie 30 minutes later, and were convicted of murder on 14 April 2024.
- Ben McCulloch (31) filmed “party” videos inside HMP Addiewell after stabbing Stephen Quigley (26) on 23 March 2021; the footage later circulated online.
- Jack McBride (17) posted a screenshot and a “Game time” selfie before stabbing Johnny Winters (26) in the heart on 1 April 2020; sentenced to six years and eight months in June 2022.
- Jordan Honeyman tortured and murdered Alan Lawson (36) in Largs, Ayrshire, in February 2024, filming the assault; received a life term with a 25-year minimum.
Timeline of Key Incidents and Convictions
Key incidents occurred from April 2020 (McBride) to September 2024 (Roberts & McKie); convictions were handed down between June 2022 and May 2024.
Legal Outcomes and Official Responses
Scottish courts imposed custodial sentences ranging from six years to life. The mother and sisters of Stephen Quigley have called for legislation to curb “gloating criminals,” reflecting victim-family opposition to online displays of violence.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal commentators note that easy smartphone access in custody enables offenders to glorify violence, prompting calls for stricter controls.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source lists Malcolm McCandlish’s murder as September 2024 yet records the perpetrators’ conviction on 14 April 2024, a chronological inconsistency that remains unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is an unexpected tragedy that’s happened… I can’t even talk, I need to pause. I’ve tried to record this many times and I just don’t know what to say. Nothing in the world is going to bring my baby back.” — Nicole Blain, Mother
- “Nobody deserves the f*ing s* I’ve been through. Losing my wee lassie is the worst thing I’ve ever went through in my life. I really don’t see the light at the end of this tunnel for me.” — Nicole Blain, Mother
- “We’re going to leave it here and if anyone has got any questions regarding my daughter, then don’t go and speak about it in the community — come to me, her mother. I will tell you, simple.” — Nicole Blain, Mother
- “game time” — Jack McBride, 17, before stabbing Johnny Winters
Outlook
Proposals to amend the Prisoners (Scotland) Act aim to restrict mobile device use in custody and criminalize the online spread of graphic crime content, seeking a balance between free expression and victims’ rights.
