Murdered man was due in court

Lorraine Tinney • Published 20 Aug 2010 14:00

A MAN brutally murdered in his own home had been due to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court just hours before his body was found.

Brian Docherty - who was beaten to death in his flat in Clynder Road, above, - was expected to appear in the dock on an assault charge on Tuesday morning.

It’s understood the tragic 55-year-old was already dead at the time his case was due to be called. A neighbour phoned police on Tuesday night because she hadn’t seen him and couldn’t get an answer at his door.

His body may have lain for up to 24 hours before it was discovered at 8.20pm.

Mr Docherty’s grief-stricken family were yesterday being supported by a police liaison officer.

An incident room has been set up at Greenock police station and officers have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

Area commander Graeme MacDiarmid, of Greenock police, told the Tele this morning: “We are following a definite line of inquiry.

“We are hoping to interview several people in connection with the case who may hold vital information.”

Detective Inspector Ross Mackay, who is leading the murder inquiry, revealed that Mr Docherty had been ‘brutally attacked’.

The first-floor flat and tenement building where he stayed were sealed off, as police immediately launched an extensive search of the property.

Residents in the area were also being interviewed by officers in the search for clues to what happened.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 20 Aug 10

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