A mug shot of Dylan Curran
Dylan Curran, 25, was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh(Image: Police Scotland)
Information tipped to police from members of the public helped convict a murderer who killed a Celtic fan and attempted murder another male in a knife attack in Edinburgh, police have said.
Dylan Curran, 25, was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, March 14, of murdering Peter Mullen, 30, by repeatedly stabbing him and attempting to kill a 43-year-old man during an incident on Leith Street in June 2023.
Police had been called to a disturbance near the junction with Greenside Row, where Mullen was discovered with serious injuries. He was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh but died a short time later.
Curran was arrested soon after and has now been convicted, with sentencing set for a later date.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson welcomed the verdict, saying: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family and friends as they come to terms with what happened to him. I hope this verdict will bring some sense of justice for them.
“Dylan Curran will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions. Thankfully, violent crimes like these in public places are rare in our communities. When such incidents take place, we will use all resources necessary to carry out thorough, rigorous inquiries to ensure we track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”
DCI Williamson also acknowledged the role of the public in helping the investigation. “I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries,” he added.
At the High Court, Curran, also of Edinburgh, pleaded not guilty and claimed he had an “abnormality of mind” at the time of the incidents. However, jurors rejected the diminished responsibility defence and found him guilty on charges of murder and attempted murder.
Peter was a known Hoops fan. Dozens of floral tributes and online condolences were left for the Hoops fanatic at the time including from his fiancee, dad and the Leith Celtic Supporters Club.
On June 4, 2023, the Leith Celtic Supporters Club made a touching online tribute to Peter. They wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart but would like us to pay tribute to a former member and user of the Leith bus who has been tragically taken from us.
“Peter Mullen was a loving caring happy young man who loved the Celtic and frequented the bus many times with his dad and his sister.
“He will be deeply missed by all his loving family and friends.’
Mr Mullen’s brother Logan Sizer, 24, told jurors he and his sibling had spent the evening of June 2 2023 drinking in nearby pubs.
Mr Sizer has told the police of how a “ginger” haired male who was with other people made a comment to him and Mr Mullen as they walked past each other.
Mr Sizer told prosecutor David McLean he told the male to “eff off” but the group started to follow him and Mr Mullen. Mr Sizer said he and his brother turned to face the group.
The witness then said a woman in the group made a “beeline” towards him and she tried to “claw” his face. Mr Sizer, who gave evidence via video link, said: “I remember punching the woman. I turned around and Peter was on the floor telling me he had been stabbed.
“He lifted his top and I saw the stab wound on his left side. I dropped to my knees, applied pressure to the wounds and rang 999.”
