A DAD was killed by a fatal blow through the heart with a sharp object, a pathologist told a murder trial.

Dr Marjorie Turner was giving evidence at the trial of Paul McCann, 38, Mark Moncrieff, 33, and Domenica Smith, 22, who deny murdering 56-year-old Brian Boyle outside his home in Dennistoun, Glasgow on July last year.

The High Court in Glasgow has heard Brian went outside with his daughter 23-year-old Kayleigh Boyle after hearing shouting and believing her car was being vandalised.

Jurors have already heard claims that Brian was struck with a hammer and a blade by attackers.

Pathologist Marjorie Turner told jurors that Brian suffered two wounds caused by what she described as “a sharp object.”

One of the wounds was to his abdomen and the other went through his heart.

Dr Turner said: “The cause of death was the wound to the heart which was six centimetres in depth.

The pathologist said: “It passed through the front of the heart and slit through the main pumping chamber which pumps blood round the body.

“This can stop the heart from pumping and the injury is more likely to be fatal.”

The pathologist told prosecutor Michael Meehan there were also injuries to Mr Boyle's head, but no skull fractures or brain damage.

She added that there were grazes and bruises to his arms and hands which may be defensive injuries.

Jurors heard how Brian and his daughter Kayleigh Boyle, 23, went outside after hearing shouting.

Maria Hughes, 53, – Kayleigh's mum – told the court Smith was “jumping” on the vehicle as if on a “trampoline”.

McCann, Moncrieff and Smith are also accused of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

Co-accused Anthony Arnauld, 39, also faces that charge, but is not alleged to have been involved in the murder.

All four deny the charges against them.

The trial, before Lord Boyd, continues.