Three teenagers have been sentenced to jail after a tragic incident where a 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed on a beach in North Ayreshire. Jay Stewart, 19, Cole Turley, 18, and an unnamed 15-year-old boy were responsible for the murder of Kayden Moy on Irvine beach on May 17, 2025. They received minimum detention periods of 16, 16, and 14 years respectively. Turley confessed to the killing, while Stewart and the 15-year-old were found guilty of murder following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
The assailants were associated with the ‘Murray Boys’ gang in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, while Kayden and others belonged to the Himshie group in the same area. Witnesses testified that the attackers had been throwing rocks at people on the beach before the fatal attack took place. Kayden’s girlfriend recounted the tragic events leading to his death, describing how he was confronted by the teenagers and fatally stabbed by Turley.
The court heard that Turley brandished a knife and Stewart wielded an extendable baton during the confrontation. Despite efforts to save him, Kayden succumbed to his injuries. The judge, Lord Scott, denounced the trio for their premeditated attack on Kayden and sentenced Stewart and Turley to a minimum of 16 years in detention, and the 15-year-old to a minimum of 14 years.
Lord Scott referenced a victim impact statement from Kayden’s family, expressing their devastation and profound loss. Kayden’s father, Paul Moy, emphasized that no court sentence could alleviate their grief or bring back their son. He stressed the importance of seeking justice and ensuring that Kayden’s memory lives on.
The tragic incident has left a deep impact on the community, with family and friends mourning the loss of a beloved young life. The court proceedings shed light on the senseless violence that led to Kayden’s untimely death, underscoring the need for accountability and remembrance.
