Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

HMA v Collins and Others

At the High Court in Glasgow today Anthony Collins was convicted of the murder of Andrew Devlin and the attempted murder of Gerald O'Doherty in Paisley on 3 August 2007. He was also convicted of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, firearms charges and being concerned in the supply of heroin. The charges against Richard McCondochie of murder, attempting to defeat the ends of justice and firearms offences were found not proven.

Sentence was deferred until 26 August 2009 at Glasgow.

Speaking after the verdict, Anthony McGeehan, Procurator Fiscal for Paisley said:

"Serious and organised crime destroys communities and the lives of ordinary law-abiding people. Andrew Devlin was an innocent bystander who lost his life when he was caught in the crossfire of criminals trying to settle scores.

"Those involved in serious and organised crime are not above the law and this case shows that we have the means and the determination to bring them to justice.

"Our team at the Procurator Fiscal's office in Paisley worked closely with the police through a painstaking investigation, using the most up to date investigative and forensic techniques.

"Their patience, persistence and professionalism ensured that Anthony Collins was brought to trial and convicted.

"My thoughts, and those of my team, remain with Andrew's family and friends."

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Robert Law, of Strathclyde Police said:

"The death of Andrew was a tragedy. He was an 18 year old young man with his whole life ahead of him. It deeply saddens me when young lives are lost in such a senseless way. My deepest sympathies go to his family. The past two years must have been harrowing for them and I sincerely hope that they can now move on with their lives knowing that those responsible have been brought to justice for this despicable crime."

Notes for Editors

1. On 3 August 2007, Andrew Devlin and Gerald O'Doherty were shot by a gunman from a moving vehicle when they were standing outside Suzy Q's nightclub in Stock Street, Paisley. They were at a 21st birthday there.

2. The investigation in to this murder involved taking 1800 witness statements and 800 evidential productions.

3. The core enquiry police team based in Paisley were assisted by a number of specialist teams including telephony and communication teams, intelligence units as well as forensic teams at the Scottish Police Services Authority. Throughout this investigation, there was close liaison with the Procurator Fiscal at Paisley and a specialist team based in Crown Office, Edinburgh.

4. The case was prosecuted by a Senior Advocate Depute.

5. John Bernard Burke pled guilty during the course of the trial to firearms charges. He will be sentenced on 26 August 2009 at Glasgow.

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