He had read out the technical description of his external examination of the body of Kevin Boyle from his report. He was now explaining, in layman’s terms, exactly what this meant. Making reference to the post-mortem photographs, he described the two gunshot entry wounds on the right side of the head in the part of the skull known as the temporal bone. On the left side and to the rear, there were two corresponding injuries which were clearly exit wounds. Brain matter was extruding from each of the exit wounds. There were no other significant injuries on the body surface.

The two bullets had passed through the brain causing extensive damage en route. By the time they had exited, the damage they left behind was non-survivable. Death would have been virtually instantaneous.

He was asked if he could give an opinion as to the sequence of events. From his examination of the scene and the body, it was clear that Boyle had been seated in the driver’s seat of the car. He felt it probable that the gunman had approached from the rear of the vehicle. He probably got to a point opposite the centre pillar. Kevin Boyle had then turned slightly to his right, no doubt to look at the person standing beside him. He was shot twice in the head. The Professor could not say how many shots had actually been fired, but two had been sufficient to despatch Boyle.

He then turned to deal with Clark. However appalling the scene of Boyle’s death may have been, it was nothing compared to the horrors surrounding the Mad Dog’s final hours. Photographs showed his twisted body stuffed head down in the bin. Mortuary photographs revealed his body on the mortuary table, arms, legs and spine contorted into a bizarre shape.

His body was covered by a total of sixty-three bruises and abrasions. His wrists and ankles bore marks consistent with his having been tied with rope or some similar material. Walker described how each of his arms and legs were broken, as was his back. On his neck were a number of small round burns which had all the appearance of being caused by a lit cigarette being placed against the skin. His throat had been cut.

A sharp-bladed weapon had been used to sever completely the windpipe, the jugular vein, the carotid artery and various other vital structures. Death was caused by a combination of massive haemorrhage and oxygen deprivation due to the damage to the windpipe. Death would have followed within a minute or so of the throat being cut.

Mitchell continued. ‘How would you describe the nature of the injuries inflicted on this man?’

‘I would say that he was tortured then executed.’

‘Why do you say tortured?’