BBC report on the murder.
OAP murder hunt launched
Police are hunting the killer of a 91-year-old woman who was found dead in Ayrshire. The body of Margaret Irvine, who lived alone, was discovered in her home at Barward Road, Galston, at 1650 BST on Sunday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3149180.stm
Police are hunting the killer of a 91-year-old woman who was found dead in Ayrshire. The body of Margaret Irvine, who lived alone, was discovered in her home at Barward Road, Galston, at 1650 BST on Sunday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3149180.stm
Times article on the murder.
Daughter of victim, 91, pleads for help, By Shirley English. THE daughter of a 91-year-old woman who was murdered in her home in a quiet Ayrshire village yesterday made an emotional appeal for help to catch her killer. Lily Green, 64, flew to Glasgow from Michigan, Illinois, to urge the public to contact police with any information that could be crucial to the inquiry.
Close to tears, Mrs Green said that her mother, Margaret Irvine, was “just your typical granny” who had suffered a “brutal, callous and senseless” attack.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1166051.ece
Close to tears, Mrs Green said that her mother, Margaret Irvine, was “just your typical granny” who had suffered a “brutal, callous and senseless” attack.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1166051.ece
Times Article.
Murdered widow, 91, had been tied up and beaten by killer By Sam Lister, A WOMAN aged 91 who was murdered in her home at the weekend had been tied up and brutally beaten, detectives said yesterday. Detective Chief Inspector Willie Prendergast said that the killing of Margaret Irvine, a great-grandmother who lived alone in Ayrshire, had left hardened murder squad officers shaken. The widow was found dead in her home at Galston by a family friend on Sunday evening.
More than 40 police officers are now working to solve the murder, which has left the community in a state of shock.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1164869.ece
More than 40 police officers are now working to solve the murder, which has left the community in a state of shock.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1164869.ece
BBC Report.
Two accused of pensioner murder
Two men have appeared in court accused of murdering a 91-year-old widow. Patrick Docherty, 39, and Brendan Dixon, 34, are charged with killing Margaret Irvine on 28 September at her home in Galston, Ayrshire.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3238499.stm
BBC Report.
Profiler aids murder inquiry
Detectives hunting the killer of Margaret Irvine will consult a behavioural psychologist in an effort to establish a profile of the person responsible. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3180836.stm
Detectives hunting the killer of Margaret Irvine will consult a behavioural psychologist in an effort to establish a profile of the person responsible. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3180836.stm
BBC Report.
Man accused of pensioner murder
A third man has appeared in court accused of killing a 91-year-old widow. James Miller, 31, is accused of entering Margaret Irvine's home in Galston, Ayrshire, tying her hands, gagging her and causing her to choke.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3585052.stm
Times Article.
25 years for killers of woman aged 91 By A Scotland Correspondent, TWO men who murdered a 91-year-old widow after breaking into her home as she slept were each jailed for a minimum of 25 years yesterday. A jury at the High Court in Kilmarnock took just over 5½ hours to find Patrick Docherty and Christopher Dixon guilty of killing Margaret Irvine in her flat in Galston, Ayrshire.
The case against the third accused, James Miller, 32, was found not proven.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article417122.ece
The case against the third accused, James Miller, 32, was found not proven.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article417122.ece
Herald Report.
Twenty-five years for robbers who murdered frail widow, 91 Ayrshire woman died after duster was stuffed in her mouth http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/twenty-five-years-for-robbers-who-murdered-frail-widow-91-ayrshire-woman-died-after-duster-was-stuffed-in-her-mouth-1.61381
BBC Report.
Men convicted of pensioner murder
Two men have been ordered to serve at least 25 years in jail for the murder of a 91-year-old woman in her home.
Patrick Docherty, 41, and Brendan Dixon, 36, were found guilty of killing Margaret Irvine in Galston, Ayrshire, during a botched robbery in 2003.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4308843.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4308843.stm
Kilmarnock Standard article.
Christmas cards will back the Free Killie 2 http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2007/12/13/christmas-cards-will-back-the-free-killie-2-81430-20244270/
Sunday Herald article.
Mystery over ‘significant’ witness at murder trial By John Bynorth Men found guilty could have been denied a fair trial, says lawyer http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1658652.0.mystery_over_significant_witness_at_murder_trial.php
Kilmarnock Standard article.
Nephew of tragic Margaret angry at bid to free jail duo
Mar 9 2007
THE nephew of a murdered pensioner has slammed a campaign to free the men convicted of her killing.
Charles Keers was living next door to his 91-year-old aunt, Margaret Irvine, in Barward Road, Galston, when she was killed in September 2003 in what is thought to have been a botched robbery attempt.
And he was himself a witness in the High Court trial which led to two Ayrshire men being jailed for life.
Patrick Docherty, 43, of Dalmellington, and Brendan Dixon, 38, of Kilmarnock, were each ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years after a jury found them guilty of murder.
A murder charge against a third man — Colin Miller, 34, from Galston — was found not proven.
Now a campaign — backed by the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation — has been launched to have the two released.
But Mr Keers, 50, said that he was convinced that they were guilty.
“I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever,” he said. “I am 100 per cent certain.”
Mr Keers, who still lives in Galston, said that a leaflet produced by the campaigners, titled ‘Free the Kilmarnock 2’, had left him “annoyed and upset”.
“They even sent one to my local pub,” he said. “People were afraid to tell me because they knew I would be upset.”
Mr Keers was himself extensively questioned after the murder.
“I have no problem with that,” he said, “they had to cover every angle.”
The leaflet issued by campaigners for Dixon and Docherty claims the case against them was “based on hearsay and circumstantial evidence”.
Much of the key prosecution evidence during the five-week trial at the High Court in Kilmarnock consisted of admissions Dixon and Docherty were alleged to have made to third parties.
No forensic evidence was found which could be linked to any of the accused.
The co-founder of the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation, John McManus, said: “I have serious doubts about this case. I normally wouldn’t be so quick to jump in, but I do think these guys are innocent.”
And Kevin Donald claimed that there was fresh evidence in the case, which is expected to go to appeal in May or June.
Mar 9 2007
THE nephew of a murdered pensioner has slammed a campaign to free the men convicted of her killing.
Charles Keers was living next door to his 91-year-old aunt, Margaret Irvine, in Barward Road, Galston, when she was killed in September 2003 in what is thought to have been a botched robbery attempt.
And he was himself a witness in the High Court trial which led to two Ayrshire men being jailed for life.
Patrick Docherty, 43, of Dalmellington, and Brendan Dixon, 38, of Kilmarnock, were each ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years after a jury found them guilty of murder.
A murder charge against a third man — Colin Miller, 34, from Galston — was found not proven.
Now a campaign — backed by the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation — has been launched to have the two released.
But Mr Keers, 50, said that he was convinced that they were guilty.
“I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever,” he said. “I am 100 per cent certain.”
Mr Keers, who still lives in Galston, said that a leaflet produced by the campaigners, titled ‘Free the Kilmarnock 2’, had left him “annoyed and upset”.
“They even sent one to my local pub,” he said. “People were afraid to tell me because they knew I would be upset.”
Mr Keers was himself extensively questioned after the murder.
“I have no problem with that,” he said, “they had to cover every angle.”
The leaflet issued by campaigners for Dixon and Docherty claims the case against them was “based on hearsay and circumstantial evidence”.
Much of the key prosecution evidence during the five-week trial at the High Court in Kilmarnock consisted of admissions Dixon and Docherty were alleged to have made to third parties.
No forensic evidence was found which could be linked to any of the accused.
The co-founder of the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation, John McManus, said: “I have serious doubts about this case. I normally wouldn’t be so quick to jump in, but I do think these guys are innocent.”
And Kevin Donald claimed that there was fresh evidence in the case, which is expected to go to appeal in May or June.
Cumnock Chronicle article.
High Court date for murder appeal
A Dalmellington man's appeal against a murder conviction goes to the High Court next week - in a bid to obtain Crown documents his team say are vital.
http://www.cumnockchronicle.com/news/roundup/articles/2007/08/16/14116-high-court-date-for-murder-appeal/print
http://www.cumnockchronicle.com/news/roundup/articles/2007/08/16/14116-high-court-date-for-murder-appeal/print
Sunday Herald article.
Murderer seeks new evidence
By John Bynorth
Appeal lawyer applies for full disclosure of statements
TWO MEN appealing against their convictions for the murder of an
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1612329.0.murderer_seeks_new_evidence.php
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1612329.0.murderer_seeks_new_evidence.php
Sunday Herald article.
Attempt to overturn murder conviction as legal team casts doubt on evidence
Rare legal move as UK’s highest appeal court prepares to hear case
By John Bynorth, Home Affairs Editor http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2356796.0.attempt_to_overturn_murder_conviction_as_legal_team_casts_doubt_on_evidence.php
By John Bynorth, Home Affairs Editor http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2356796.0.attempt_to_overturn_murder_conviction_as_legal_team_casts_doubt_on_evidence.php
Kilmarnock Standard article.
XMAS CARDS CONTAIN MURDER MESSAGE
Dec 20 2007
THE nephew of murdered pensioner Margaret Irvine this week reacted with disgust to a Christmas card campaign launched by those seeking the release of the two men convicted of her killing. http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/tm_headline=xmas-cards-contain-murder-message&method=full&objectid=20273228&siteid=73592-name_page.html
THE nephew of murdered pensioner Margaret Irvine this week reacted with disgust to a Christmas card campaign launched by those seeking the release of the two men convicted of her killing. http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/tm_headline=xmas-cards-contain-murder-message&method=full&objectid=20273228&siteid=73592-name_page.html
Kilmarnock Standard.
Convicted Galston killer takes appeal to highest court
Jun 25 2008
CONVICTED murderer Brendan Dixon is to take his appeal to the highest court in the UK.
Dixon, found guilty three years ago of the killing of Galston pensioner Margaret Irvine, has been granted leave to appeal to the judicial committee of the Privy Council after the discovery of witness statements which his lawyers claim cast doubt on his conviction.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/news-east-ayrshire/galston-news/2008/06/25/convicted-galston-killer-takes-appeal-to-highest-court-81430-21150034/
CONVICTED murderer Brendan Dixon is to take his appeal to the highest court in the UK.
Dixon, found guilty three years ago of the killing of Galston pensioner Margaret Irvine, has been granted leave to appeal to the judicial committee of the Privy Council after the discovery of witness statements which his lawyers claim cast doubt on his conviction.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/news-east-ayrshire/galston-news/2008/06/25/convicted-galston-killer-takes-appeal-to-highest-court-81430-21150034/
Kilmarnock Standard.
Outrage over card campaign Jan 10 2008
A KEY campaigner for the release of the two men convicted of the murder of Galston pensioner Margaret Irvine this week responded to critics who slammed his Christmas card campaign as “distasteful”.
The ‘Free the Killie 2’ group ended 2007 by mailing around 70 cards to pubs and businesses in the Irvine Valley town to thank thanking those who have come forward with information which could aid their case.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2008/01/10/outrage-over-card-campaign-81430-20334035/
Kilmarnock Standard.
Murder appeal: New bid to see witness papers
Aug 16 2007
CAMPAIGNERS for the release of two men jailed for the murder of a 91-year-old Galston woman this week issued a fresh appeal for witnesses.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2007/08/16/murder-appeal-new-bid-to-see-witness-papers-81430-19642249/
CAMPAIGNERS for the release of two men jailed for the murder of a 91-year-old Galston woman this week issued a fresh appeal for witnesses.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2007/08/16/murder-appeal-new-bid-to-see-witness-papers-81430-19642249/
Kilmarnock Standard.
Threats made to murder accused
Mar 19 2008
KS084208
A MAN cleared of the murder of a Galston pensioner was threatened as he helped a friend move a washing machine.
Colin Miller, who was found not guilty of the 2003 killing of 91-year-old Margaret Irvine, was branded a ‘murderer’ and a ‘paedophile’ during the row in a close in Galston’s Clinchyard Place in February last year.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2008/03/19/threats-made-to-murder-accused-81430-20648263/
KS084208
A MAN cleared of the murder of a Galston pensioner was threatened as he helped a friend move a washing machine.
Colin Miller, who was found not guilty of the 2003 killing of 91-year-old Margaret Irvine, was branded a ‘murderer’ and a ‘paedophile’ during the row in a close in Galston’s Clinchyard Place in February last year.
http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/latest-news/2008/03/19/threats-made-to-murder-accused-81430-20648263/