Jail time for murderer who left disabled man to burn in Inverness

Gary Gallogley's own walking stick was used by 24 year old Ryan Brandie to hit his victim over the head.

Brandie then went and started two fires in different rooms of the Inverness flat, leaving the 54 year old lying in the living room on 3 April 2018.

Gary died in Raigmore Hospital two days later after suffering severe burns to 60% of his body.

At Glasgow High Court, Lord Mulholland told Brandie the killing was “vicious and hateful”.

The judge said: “He was a man who done you no harm. He presented no threat to you.

“For no reason, you assaulted him by striking him with his walking stick.

“This rendered him more infirm and unable to escape.

“You set two fires in his small flat – one in the bedroom and one close to where he was lying in the living room.

“The death must have been painful and horrific.”

Brandie was caught after confessing to his partner, Rhona, and she was so traumatised by the confession, she eventually went to police.

CCTV from around the time also linked him to the killing.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Eddie Ross said: "Gary Gallogley was a vulnerable man who did nothing to deserve his brutal and savage death at the hands of Ryan Brandie.

"Brandie's actions which led to Mr Gallogley's death and his subsequent efforts to avoid taking responsibility afterwards were both wicked and reckless. It is right that he will face the consequences of his horrendous behaviour.

"While nothing can change what happened, I hope this conviction can bring some form of closure to Mr Gallogley's family."