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Adelaide man James McGowan found guilty of stabbing murder in Scotland 17 years ago

James McGowan immigrated to Australia in 1980 and is an Australian citizen.

James McGowan immigrated to Australia in 1980 and is an Australian citizen. Photo: Scotland Police

The father of Socceroos defender Ryan McGowan and Adelaide United’s Dylan McGowan has been found guilty of a murder in Scotland in 1999.

A court in Edinburgh found James McGowan stabbed to death his former brother-in-law, Owen Brannigan, during a fight.

McGowan immigrated to South Australia in 1980 and is an Australian citizen.

He was extradited from Adelaide last year to face the charge.

The court heard the 58-year-old contacted a helpline in 2012 where he confessed to the murder.

McGowan was in Scotland in November 1999 for his mother’s funeral, after which he sought out Mr Brannigan at a social club.

Mr Brannigan had been married to McGowan’s sister but they divorced in 1984.

The court heard McGowan stabbed Mr Brannigan 11 times.

Ryan McGowan

Ryan McGowan has played 18 matches for Australia. Photo: AAP

The court also heard that in 2012 McGowan made several admissions to a helpline about the incident which led to his arrest.

A lengthy extradition process followed, during which McGowan spent more than two years in prison in South Australia.

He will be sentenced in Scotland on March 15.

McGowan’s two sons are prominent soccer players.

Ryan McGowan has played for Scottish club Hearts and in China while brother Dylan currently plays for Adelaide United.

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