A man has admitted to murdering and decapitating his girlfriend before texting her mum pretending to be her.
Ewan Methven, 27, killed Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, at the home they shared in Kilbride’s Glen Lee, Scotland, on November 16
Methven, a Royal Mail postman, attacked Phoenix with three knives, stabbing her 20 times, before choking her.
Prosecutors say he severed her head and tried to remove her limbs and torso.
Earlier that day, Methven said Phoenix’s shifts as a waitress made him feel ‘lonely’.
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The couple had been together for two years, having met at a family party.
Phoenix texted her mum, Alison Spencer, at 9.37pm, saying they were eating a takeaway.
Just before midnight, Methen attacked Phoenix. He then spent the weekend driving the victim’s red Corsa, searching for pornography on her phone and trying to buy cocaine.
Prosecutor Christopher McKenna said: ‘Late on Saturday, November 16, he strangled her and stabbed her. He dialled 999 but not until November 18.
‘Her mutilated and decapitated body was discovered only on November 18.’
The court also heard that Methven ordered takeout around 8pm and ‘did not appear to be drunk or under the influence by the delivery driver’.
In a 999 call, he claimed the murder happened when he had a psychotic episode induced by cocaine, alcohol and steroids.
Methven pleaded guilty to murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow today.
He will be sentenced next month.
Those who knew Phoenix described her as an ‘angel’ and a young woman with her ‘whole life ahead of her’.
She worked in restaurants in the Strathaven and Hamilton areas for years, friends said on Facebook.
Ciara Dixon said on Facebook: ‘I am absolutely speechless, Phe, you did not deserve this, how can this world be so cruel! Rip angel. Friendship I will never forget.’
Another said: ‘RIP Phoenix Spencer-Horn, may you rest in eternal peace, gorgeous girl, throughout will remember and cherish our memories x.’
Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns said: ‘My thoughts remain with Phoenix’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what happened.
‘Methven now faces the consequences of his actions. Violence such as this is never acceptable in our communities, and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.’
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