55-year-old Richard Scullion beaten and stabbed by David Boyd in his Co Down flat

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have welcomed the sentencing handed down to David Boyd for the murder of Gerard Richard Scullion in his home in July 2018.

The body of the 55-year-old was found in the kitchen of his home at Millmount Court in Banbridge.

He had been assaulted and brutally stabbed with a kitchen knife after a row.

Mr Justice Colton said: “His death was particularly tragic as it was caused by someone he befriended and helped, something the defendant himself acknowledges.”

At Belfast Crown Court today, 29 year old David Boyd of Scarva Walk, Banbridge, was sentenced  to life in prison, serving a minimum of 12 years before he can apply for parole.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan, said:  “This was a sickening attack on a man in his own home – a place he should have felt safe.

“Mr Scullion 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.

“He 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.

DCI EamonN Corrigan welcomes life sentence of 12 years without parole handed down to David Boyd for murder of Richard Scullion

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

Statement on behalf of the Scullion Family from victim’s mother Margaret Scullion

“The mother, sisters, son Nathan and the family circle of the late Richard Gerard Scullion.

£Rest in peace.

£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.”