Man Sentenced To Life Over Gerard Scullion's Murder

A man has been sentenced to life for the murder of Gerard Richard Scullion in July 2018.

David Boyd, from Banbridge, was handed a life sentence, serving a minimum of 12 years at Laganside Crown Court on Thursday 17 October.

Police welcomed the sentencing following the "sickening attack" which saw the 55-year-old stabbed to death in his own home.

Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: "Gerard welcomed David Boyd into his company. He considered him a friend but David Boyd cast this aside and murdered him.

"It was a sustained and lengthy knife attack during which Gerard was stabbed multiple times in the back as he lay defenceless, face down on the floor.

"Gerard was a kind, family man, who was well liked within the local community. It was clear how well he was thought of, by the support we received from local residents in assisting us with our enquiries during the investigation and we would like to thank them for that.

"This was an extremely effective investigation which included interviews carried out by experienced detectives and evidence gathering which resulted in the conviction of David Boyd. These interviews, supported by evidence from searches, CCTV and witnesses, led to David Boyd eventually admitting what he did.

"It was only when confronted with evidence linking him to the murder that David Boyd admitted his guilt and expressed remorse and this has prevented Gerard's family from the distress of a lengthy and painful trial.

"However that said, today's sentencing won't bring Gerard back to his family and friends and does not justify the ferocity of David Boyd’s unprovoked attack on his friend.

"David Boyd is now behind bars and hopefully this will provide some comfort to Gerard's family and the wider community."

Mr Scullion's mother Margaret issued a statement on behalf of the family, saying: "We would like to thank most sincerely the investigative and legal teams, also liaison officer and his team, all of whom dealt with Gerard's case, not as a statistic but with humanity and professionalism – and for that we are very appreciative."



(JG/MH)