Family of innocent dad David Boland murdered in unprovoked attack say their ‘hearts are broken’ as killer found guilty
THE family of an innocent dad who was murdered in an unprovoked attack said last night: “Our hearts are broken”.
David Boland was just 34 when he was targeted by Calvin Cullen, 22, in Athy, Co Kildare, on November 1, 2018.
During the horrific attack, Cullen slashed the murder victim across the face before stabbing him twice in the stomach as soon as he had stepped out of his car.
The dad-of-one - who also suffered “blunt force trauma” in the barbaric assault - was treated at the scene by the emergency services but later lost his fight for life in hospital.
Cullen, from Greenhills in Athy, was arrested by the gardai the following day before he was later charged with murder.
The brutal attack was also captured on CCTV.
The coward - who showed no emotion when he received a life sentence - went on trial for murder on September 14 before a jury at Kilkenny Central Criminal Court took just two hours and forty four minutes to find him guilty of the callous murder.
He pleaded not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
'BRUTAL MURDER'
A source said: “Cullen had no reason to attack David and yet he just came out of nowhere and committed a brutal murder.
“David had nothing to do with him and yet he took away his life for no reason whatsoever.”
During yesterday’s hearing, the court heard from five different victim impact statements.
In one on behalf of the murder victim's ten year old son, Cormac, the schoolboy said: “I’ll miss not knowing my dad.
“I have to live and grow up with the fact that my dad won’t be in my life but I’ll never forget him.”
Other statements were read to the court on behalf of David’s sisters Cathriona, Maria, parents Peter and Lily and his ex partner Audrey, who’s the mother of his child.
His heartbroken sister Cathriona told of her sorrow at his loss.
'HORRENDOUS TIME'
She said in her statement: “It was the birthday of my daughter after the incident and this should have been a happy occasion but this was a horrendous time for our family.
“His two grandmothers had to see him in the coffin and this had an awful impact on them.
“So much hurt has been caused by the loss of a brother, father and son. He was so kind, loving and generous.”
The court also heard from the family, who said: “David was a hard working individual who had his whole life in front of him.
“He had just established a steel fabrication business with his father in May 2018 and things were really looking up for him.
“He was a family man, someone we could approach and we all just miss him - especially at family occasions. He has just missed out on so much.”
Referring to Cullen’s guilty verdict, the family said: “We are relieved to have this behind us after almost two years.
'SAVAGE AND BRUTAL MURDER'
“Justice has prevailed for the savage and brutal murder of David.
“Hopefully we can now begin the process of rebuilding our lives.
“We would also like to thank the emergency services who helped him, the gardai and the strangers who also came to his aid.”
The probe into the callous murder was run by investigators under the command of Detective Inspector John Costelloe, Supt Martin Walker, Det Sgt Sean Boland and Chief Supt Brian Sutton from the incident room at Athy Garda station.
During the investigation, gardai took 300 witness statements, launched twelve searches and made six arrests.
Four other men have been charged with separate offences linked to the murder investigation.
'CONDOLENCES'
Supt Walker said: “This was a long and protracted investigation and the team would like to extend its condolences to David’s family.
“I would also like to thank all the witnesses who assisted us with our investigation.”
Cullen was initially charged with the murder before the case was struck out because the book of evidence was not served in time.
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But he was later charged with the barbaric attack, with his trial starting two weeks ago.
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The case was held in Kilkenny Central Criminal Court because of Covid-19 restrictions.
During the proceedings, Judge Tara Burns commended the dignity of the Boland family and also hit out at the “scourge of cocaine and alcohol” in society.