Press Coverage

The following press coverage shows conclusively that the DNA and Footprint found in this case does not match any of the Accused.
Strange how Crown want to rely on such evidence to convict but when the shoe is on the other foot the evidence of DNA and Foootprints not matching is cast aside?


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.

The above appeal has been postponed because of the lack of and refusal of Crown to disclose Key evidence not heard at original trial.
There is a time set for a hearing for disclosure which again delays the Appeal date somewhat and in the meantime two Innocent men languish in Prison