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Police welcome conviction of Aberdeen thug who tried to kill Inverness family

Matthew Boyle
Matthew Boyle

Police have welcomed the conviction of an Aberdeen man who tried to kill an Inverness family.

A jury found Matthew Boyle, 42, guilty of three counts of attempted murder yesterday after a savage attack on John Gallagher and his wife and daughter last year.

Last night, the senior detective who led the inquiry said Boyle’s actions had a “distressing” impact on the Gallaghers’ lives.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Morrans said: “This would have been a terrifying experience for the victims involved.

“I welcome the conviction of Boyle who now has to face the consequences of his abhorrent behaviour.

“I would like to thank members of the public for coming forward as well as the victims. This has undoubtedly had a distressing impact on their lives.”

During the trial, the jury heard the family was attacked after attending a charity night at the Broadsword pub in Aberdeen’s Tillydrone area.

But as they were about to make their way home they were stabbed by repeat offender Boyle during a row which broke out after a series of vulgar comments were made about Charlie Gallagher.

Mr Gallagher, 64, his wife Sylvia, 55, and their 30-year-old daughter all suffered serious injuries.

Boyle had denied attempting to kill the trio and had been on trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.

He claimed he was acting in self-defence when he lashed out, but a jury took just over two hours yesterday to convict him of all charges.

Boyle’s friend, 40-year-old Kevin Deans, had also been on trial for attempting to murder the family.

But these charges were dropped by the Crown and he was only convicted of making indecent comments towards Miss Gallagher.

He will not face sentence for the offence.

Sentence was deferred on Boyle until next month at the High Court in Glasgow.