Pair sentenced to life in prison for murder of Huyton dad
Patrick Boyle was shot twice in the chest on 1st July 2021
Two men convicted of the murder of a dad-of-two in a street in Huyton last year have today, Thursday 9 June, been jailed for life years.
Patrick Boyle, 26, was shot twice in the chest in Newway on the evening of 1st July 2021. He was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
Reuben Murphy, 26, of Oak Avenue, Newton-le-Willows and Ben Doyle, 24, of Lyme Grove, Huyton, were both found guilty of murder, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life at an earlier hearing.
Murphy was today jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for life to serve a minimum of 31 years , while Doyle was jailed for life to serve at least 27 years.
Thomas Walker, 20, of no fixed abode, admitted possessing ammunition with a certificate on a date before the shooting. He was sentenced today to two years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “This was a cold and calculated act which resulted in the murder of a dad-of-two on a street in broad daylight.
“Reuben Murphy and Ben Doyle continued to deny their involvement in Patrick Boyle’s death, forcing his family and friends to endure a criminal trial played out in public.
“They will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars for their actions.
“This case shows all too well the grim reality of arming yourself with a gun and I hope that it acts as a deterrent for others thinking of doing the same.
“Not only have the actions of Murphy and Doyle on that night resulted in the untimely death of a young man, but it has had a massive impact on their victim's children, family and friends as well as their own family and friends.
“Gun crime is never acceptable and Merseyside Police will continue to do everything in its powers to find the people carrying and using firearms and bringing them to justice.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
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