‘Killers’ wait for appeal decision

originally published:
4th November 2009

Two men challenging their conviction for the murder of an elderly woman during a botched robbery will have to wait for a decision by appeal judges.

Patrick Docherty, 45, and 40-year-old Brendan Dixon were ordered to serve at least 25 years for killing Margaret Irvine in Galston, Ayrshire, in 2003. Both men allege they did not receive a fair trial.Lady Paton said it was “a difficult and delicate case” and a ruling would be issued in writing at a later date.

The original trial heard that Docherty and Dixon broke into Mrs Irvine’s home on Barward Road, switched off the electricity and struggled with the pensioner. They then tied her hands behind her back with a belt and punched her on the head and body.

Mrs Irvine died of asphyxiation after a duster was forced into her mouth.She was found lying on her bed by her home-help hours after she was murdered on 28 September, 2003. Both men allege they did not receive a fair trial.

Lady Paton said it was “a difficult and delicate case” and a ruling would be issued in writing at a later date.

The original trial heard that Docherty and Dixon broke into Mrs Irvine’s home on Barward Road, switched off the electricity and struggled with the pensioner. They then tied her hands behind her back with a belt and punched her on the head and body. Mrs Irvine died of asphyxiation after a duster was forced into her mouth.

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Other News:

Pensioner’s ‘killers’ in appeal bid
3rd November 2009

Posted by Tippa Naphtali on 11/11/2009. Filed under Questionable Convictions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry