THE father of a murdered Irvine man has told the Times that he will never forgive the two thugs convicted and jailed for killing his son in a savage high street head-kicking attack.
Malcolm McCandlish senior said he has been struggling ever since losing his "best friend", adding that he was a "joker" when growing up.
Simon Roberts, 38, and Sean McKie, 37, were found guilty by a jury after they set upon Malcolm McCandlish, who passed away in hospital weeks after the violent assault.
The High Court in Glasgow was shown graphic CCTV and mobile phone footage of Mr McCandlish being repeatedly headbutted, then hitting his head on the street in Irvine town centre on his 43rd birthday in September 2024.
Mr McCandlish Snr said: "It's been a struggle. It wasn't even two days apart when I would see him. It's a daily thing and I'm still struggling. Some days are better than others.
"I would have thought they would get 20 years at least - it was really terrible and tragic what happened.
"No one deserves what happened to him".
The grieving father added that Judge Lady Drummond "did alright giving them a hard time", sentencing Roberts to a minimum of 18 years and McKie to at least 17 years behind bars.
He added: "My health has gone downhill since.
"No, I could never forgive them, they went out on the rampage that day.
"He was such a great son, there was nothing bad about him. He was a joker."
Speaking after the verdict at the High Court, Mr McCandlish Snr said: "It's a result for Malcolm, as long as he got justice, that was all I cared about.
"Malcolm lived to be affectionate. You would have loved him."
During the trial, Malcom's sister Margaret McCandlish said her late brother had initially refused ambulance treatment, as he 'just wanted to go home' after being knocked unconscious on High Street.
She told the court: "We were like that [crossing her index and middle finger together in the witness stand]. We were very, very close."
Graphic CCTV and horrific mobile phone footage that was widely shared online after the attack were shown in court on several occasions.
The court was also shown screenshots of Irvine Times posts sent by Roberts to others on his phone after the incident.
The duo were later pictured smiling and laughing after carrying out the fatal assault.
Asked what he thought when watching the content, Roberts replied, “I thought 'oh no man'", adding it was "tragic".
"I thought the boy was alright", he added. "Then he passed away."
He said he “felt terrible” at his own behaviour and “didn’t intend to seriously hurt anyone”.
He said: “When I found out he was in a bad way, it was a few days later, [I was] devastated, because of the hurt to himself, his family, and my family. I was just gutted.
“I’ve still not got over it, I’m absolutely devastated."
Under cross-examination, advocate depute Michael MacIntosh suggested he had "gone out looking for trouble” and “we have heard evidence you did cause trouble earlier”.
Judge Lady Drummond told them: "You were both convicted by the jury of murder and assault to injury and disfigurement.
"Mr McCandlish was 43, a much-loved dad, stepdad, son, brother, uncle and partner. He was known for his kindness and compassion.
"The victim impact statement told me the devastating impact this has had on his family, partner and friends. They have described their lives as shattered and their grief all consuming.
"It was senseless violence from you two and your utter disregard for human life has taken that away from them.
"Nothing I can say or do can change that for them."
Share