FEUD THUG MOWED DOWN SIX KIDS IN MURDER BID
Carpet salesman admits hit-and-run after they were caught up in family feud
A MAN has admitted trying to kill six children in a hit-and-run in Glasgow that left one teenage girl with a broken neck.
The youngsters, aged between 12 and 14, were standing on a pavement in Castlemilk when the horror unfolded.
A THUG tried to kill six children in a horrific hit and run as they were innocently caught up in a bitter feud between rival families.
Gerald Gavan ploughed into the youngsters as he tried to mow down target Billy McGregor in a Castlemilk hit – leaving one girl with a broken neck.
Gavan and McGregor have links to opposing sides connected to the murder of Jamie Lee in the area in July 2017.
A judge watched graphic footage of the children being thrown into the air as the 22 year-old hit both them and McGregor.
One 14 year-old girl – who Gavan also reversed over – suffered a broken neck and required lengthy surgery.
Gavan is now behind bars after he pleaded guilty to attempting to murder the six youngsters on March 24.
The carpet salesman, of East Kilbride, also admitted trying to kill McGregor in the same incident.
He was remanded in custody at the High Court in Glasgow pending sentencing next month.
Speaking after yesterday’s hearing, Detective Inspector Peter Sharp, of Greater Glasgow CID, said Gavan’s plea had spared the “traumatised” victims the torment of a trial.
He said: “This incident which unfolded in the afternoon of Saturday 24 March in Castlemilk was something which will no doubt stay in the minds of the young victims for a long time.
“The injuries sustained by the 14-year-old girl were so serious that she required immediate surgery.
“Thankfully she survived, however the consequences could have been much, much worse.”
Prosecutor Maryam Labaki said the background to this crime was a “family feud” involving a “fatality”.
She added: “Gavan is associated with one side of that dispute.”
Two of the children were hit with such force they were carried over a parked car
Gavan’s former co-accused Gary Owen – who had not guilty pleas accepted – is a relative of Jordan Owen wanted in connection with the play park shooting of Jamie Lee.
The hit and run occurred after McGregor, also known as William Dearie, had gone to a local shop around 4pm.
The children were meantime “talking and laughing together” in the same street.
As McGregor crossed the road towards them, he clocked Gavan’s silver Vauxhall Astra heading at him.
Miss Labaki: “The car accelerated and steered towards Billy McGregor travelling diagonally and mounting the pavement.”
He failed in trying to dodge the car – but Gavan then carried on into the children on the pavement.
The advocate depute added: “As the car collided with the group, six of them were struck causing them to be thrown up into the air in different directions.
“Two of the children who had been sent flying were hit with such force that they were carried over a parked car landing on the ground opposite.”
CCTV of the incident was played to the packed court. Distressed relatives of the young victims sobbed. One woman left the courtroom in tears.
A 14-year-old girl was unable to get up. Gavan then reversed over her before “leaving the scene at speed”.
The court heard he was unaware she was still on the ground.
The teenager suffered a badly broken neck and needed an initial six hour operation.
She later had a titanium plate attached to her spine to help her recovery.
The girl was finally able to leave hospital around a fortnight after the incident.
The court heard her injury is “healing well”.
Despite the horror, one senior medic stated it is hoped she will fortunately make a full recovery.
A 13-year-old boy was treated for a leg injury, while another boy, 14, needed stitches for a knee wound.
A 13-year-old girl was badly bruised while a 12-year-old girl was treated at hospital for muscle injuries.
Another 14-year-old girl needed physiotherapy to treat her injuries.
McGregor had cuts to his arm and leg – as well as bruising – but “declined medical attention”.
The court heard Gavan’s guilty plea was accepted on basis he had “intended to cause physical injury” to McGregor.
Miss Labaki said: “In striking him with the vehicle – when immediately in front of the children – Gavan had no opportunity to brake in time.
“His actions amounted to wicked recklessness in respect of the children.”
Gary Owen, 20, had also faced the attempted murder claims, but his not guilty pleas were accepted.
Gavan, Owen along with Ali Coats and Jay Gavan, both 20, had further faced a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with the crime.
Not guilty pleas were also accepted for that allegation.
Lady Scott deferred sentencing on Gavan until September 25 in Edinburgh.