Men Charged with Murder in Lanarkshire
Three men are scheduled to stand trial, accused of murdering a man using a pitchfork.
Christopher Michael Mullen, 22, Ryan Mullen, 42, and Christopher Mullen, 44, face charges related to the killing of Joseph Buchanan, which occurred on a street in Douglas, Lanarkshire, on 13 April of the previous year.
It is alleged that the 35-year-old victim was chased and then repeatedly attacked with a pitchfork, a knife, and a sword or similar weapons.
Court Proceedings and Pleas
During a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, defence lawyers entered not guilty pleas on behalf of each of the accused men to several charges.
A trial date has been set for March 2027.
Additional Charges and Allegations
The men also face charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
This includes allegations that they removed a CCTV hard drive from a property where the alleged murder took place.
It is further claimed that they disposed of weapons and clothing and evaded authorities by hiding in various locations.
Locations cited in the charges include Glasgow, Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, and areas near Loch Lomond.
Prosecutors stated that these actions were undertaken to avoid
"detection, arrest and prosecution".
Separate Property Damage Charge
In a separate matter, 44-year-old Christopher Mullen is accused of collaborating with others to recklessly destroy property in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, by breaking windows and damaging a car.
