A NEW life-saving piece of equipment has been unveiled in the memory of a beloved pub landlord who was brutally murdered.

A community defibrillator and plaque have been unveiled at Braintree Council Offices at Causeway House.

It was unveiled in the memory of much-loved community member Scott Gilhooly.

Mr Gilhooly was the popular landlord of the Swiss Bell pub in Braintree and was described as a joy to everyone who knew him and the life and soul of the party who was generous to a fault.

He was viciously attacked in his own flat at the pub in Mountbatten Road in May 2020 leaving his family, friends and the community devastated.

His killer Lawrence Bourke, of Lister Road, Braintree, was jailed for life in May for his crime, and was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years.

Mr Gilhooly’s family said they were honoured to be invited to unveil the defibrillator and plaque in his memory.

The defibrillator is one of three being installed throughout Braintree and Bocking in memory of the pub landlord.

A small ceremony took place with Mr Gilhooly’s family present.

Also in attendance were Braintree MP James Cleverly, councillors Andrew Hensman and Wendy Schmitt, chief executive of Braintree Council Andy Wright, secretary at the Archer Community Trust Karen Brown and Father Tim Barnes. of St Peter’s Parish Church.

Mr Gilhooly’s family said: “It was an honour for our family to be invited and to attend this ceremony, unveiling the Braintree Council defibrillator and plaque to commemorate our beloved Scott Thomas Gilhooly.

“This gift of lifesaving equipment for the Braintree and Bocking district is a dedication to Scott’s lasting legacy, the memory of a truly spirited community champion and inheritance of a great example.

“Forever devoted to a promise of hope, may Scott’s spirit never fade.”

Braintree Council vice chairman Andrew Hensman added: “It is a fitting tribute to Mr Gilhooly to dedicate this defibrillator to his memory, as he helped others it is hoped this equipment will help others in their time of need to keep his memory alive for many years to come.”