Overview

• On July 24 in the Scottish Borders, Dryden received a life sentence with at least 18 years behind bars for the February killing of his partner, Megan Hughes.
• Hughes was stabbed 27 times at their Chirnside home in what Detective Chief Inspector Laura White described as a vicious and calculated attack.
• Dryden, 32, pleaded guilty to murder and told investigators he “did really love her” while claiming to have no recollection of the assault.
• Police Scotland officers arrived within minutes of a 4:35 am emergency call on February 9 and arrested Dryden at the Windram Road property.
• The case has intensified scrutiny of domestic violence prevention and support services and spurred calls for enhanced protections for at-risk partners.