Mistaken identity victim killed in car and machete horror

A MAN was murdered in a Scottish town in a “grotesque” case of mistaken identity, a court has heard.

- BY NEIL POORAN

Alexander McQuillan, 27, and Richard Mullan, 21, had earlier admitted the murder of 35-year-old Michael Beaton in Greenock on Sunday, November 26, 2023, just after 7pm.

Mr Beaton was hit with a car driven by Mullan before being struck in the face with a machete by McQuillan, the High Court in Glasgow was told.

Advocate depute David McLean KC said Mullan's role in the murder had been “a case of mistaken identity” and “the intended target was the first accused [McQuillan]”.

The prosecutor said Mullan and Mr Beaton had apparently been searching for McQuillan on the day of the incident.