Man, 35, guilty of murder after body found in Annan house fire

Gabriel Brown, 35, was found guilty of murder.placeholder image
Gabriel Brown, 35, was found guilty of murder. | Police Scotland

Gabriel Brown, 35, has been found guilty of murdering Joseph Ernest Johnston in Annan

A man has been convicted of murder after a body was discovered inside a burnt-out flat in Dumfries and Galloway.

Gabriel Brown, 35, was found guilty of killing Joseph Ernest Johnston and at the High Court in Glasgow today.

Gabriel Brown, 35, was found guilty of murder.placeholder image
Gabriel Brown, 35, was found guilty of murder. | Police Scotland

He is due to be sentenced on Friday.

Around 6.55am on Tuesday, 19 November, 2024, officers were made aware of a fire at a property on Lady Street in Annan.

Emergency services attended, and the body of Mr Johnston was found within. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson, said: “Brown’s actions were completely senseless and reckless and led to the loss of Joseph’s life. He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“While this verdict does not change the outcome, I hope it brings Joseph’s family some form of comfort.

“Reckless and violent acts such as this will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

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