The relatives of Brian Maley, who was stabbed and bludgeoned to death with a chisel in Glasgow, have spoken out about their loss and their quest for justice.
Three convicted of savage murder
Brian Maley, 66, was a much-loved great-grandfather who had a passion for gardening and fishing. He was also a victim of a horrific murder that took place in his own home in the city’s Springburn area on June 15, 2023.
Three people – his nephew Thomas Maley, 55, Thomas’s son Jordan, 25, and Jordan’s girlfriend Gemma McNulty, 31 – were found guilty of killing him in a “Tarantino-style” attack that involved stabbing him with a knife and a chisel, and hitting him with a hammer and a wrench. They then tried to cover up their crime by setting fire to his flat.
The motive for the murder was a dispute over money and drugs, as Thomas Maley owed his uncle £200 and had stolen his cannabis plants. The trio had also planned to rob him of his valuables, including his Rolex watch and his car.
The jury at the High Court in Glasgow took less than three hours to convict them of murder and attempted arson. They will be sentenced on February 23, 2024.
Family say ‘justice is served’
Brian Maley’s family have welcomed the verdict and expressed their grief over his death. His daughter, Lisa Maley, 45, said: “He was a loving dad, grandad and great-grandad. He was always there for us and he would do anything for anyone. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. He was brutally taken from us and we miss him every day.”
She added: “We are relieved that justice has been served and that these evil people will pay for what they did. They have shown no remorse and they have put us through hell. We hope they rot in jail.”
His son, Brian Maley Jr, 43, said: “He was a hard-working man who enjoyed life. He loved gardening and fishing and he was always smiling. He was the best dad and grandad in the world. He was our hero and our inspiration.”
He continued: “We are thankful to the police and the prosecution for their work and we are glad that the jury saw through their lies. They are cold-blooded killers who deserve to suffer. They have taken away our dad and we will never forgive them.”
Tributes pour in from friends and neighbours
Brian Maley was also a popular figure in his community, where he was known as “Big Brian” or “The Gardener”. He had lived in the same flat for over 40 years and had transformed his garden into a colourful oasis. He was also a regular at his local pub, The Clansman, where he enjoyed a pint and a chat.
His friends and neighbours have paid tribute to him and condemned his killers. His friend, John McLaughlin, 67, said: “He was a great guy, always friendly and helpful. He had a heart of gold and he would give you the shirt off his back. He was a legend around here and everyone knew him and liked him.”
He added: “It’s a disgrace what they did to him. They are scum of the earth and they don’t deserve to breathe the same air as us. They have taken away a good man and a good friend and we are all devastated.”
His neighbour, Mary Smith, 62, said: “He was a lovely man, always cheerful and kind. He had a beautiful garden and he was very proud of it. He would always share his flowers and vegetables with us and he would always offer to help with anything. He was a joy to have as a neighbour.”
She continued: “It’s a tragedy what happened to him. He was a gentle soul and he didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He was murdered in his own home by his own family and that’s unthinkable. They are monsters and they should never see the light of day again.”
