Two guilty of killing Merseyside PC

TWO men have been found guilty of the manslaughter of Merseyside PC Neil Doyle.

Andrew Taylor, 29, and Timmy Donovan, 30, of Huyton, were convicted of the manslaughter of PC Doyle at Liverpool Crown Court.

The attack took place in December last year.

Taylor and Donovan will be sentenced on 11 September.

Peter Singleton, Chairman of Merseyside Police Federation, said: “We hope the court’s decision will now provide at least some closure for Neil’s wife, family, friends and colleagues.”

He added: “As a Federation we will continue to provide support for Neil’s family and colleagues and help them as best we can as they continue to come to terms with their sad loss.”

Det Supt Mike Shaw, from Merseyside Police, said: “Andrew Taylor and Timmy Donovan have been convicted of Neil Doyle’s manslaughter and the serious assaults on Robert Marshall and Michael Steventon.

“We welcome the verdict but ultimately nothing can bring Neil back and his family are still struggling to come to terms with his loss and will never get over his tragic death.

“Neil and his friends, who were all off duty, were enjoying a Christmas night out with colleagues on the night of the attack and the three defendants were also enjoying a night out.

“Sadly, what should have been a good night out for both groups in the run-up to Christmas turned into a nightmare and resulted in the death of Neil Doyle and serious injuries to his colleagues.

“Taylor and Donovan have also ruined their own lives.”

Taylor will also be sentenced over attacks on PCs Marshall and Steventon. Donovan will also be sentenced over his attack on PC Marshall, in which he was punched, stamped and kicked.

They have been remanded in custody.

A third man, Christopher Spendlove, was cleared of manslaughter.