11 years for murder bid driver
A MAN has been jailed for 11 years after he admitted trying to kill six teens in a hit-and-run.
The youngsters, aged 12-14, were standing on a pavement in Castlemilk on March 24 when Gerald Gavan, 22, drove at them.
He said he was targeting a rival who was nearby and was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday.
A MAN was today beginning an 11-year sentence after he admitted trying to kill six children in a hit-and-run.
The youngsters, aged between 12 and 14, were on a pavement in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow when the attack happened in mid-afternoon, on March 24 .
Gerald Gavan, 22, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, having admitted driving at the youngsters – who went flying “like skittles” – while targeting a rival.
It was heard the incident was down to tension in the neighbourhood over the death of a man in 2017, a relative of Gavan’s intended victim, Billy McGregor.
Gavan’s lawyer said his client had wanted to “have it out” with Mr McGregor, because he had been targeting him and his girlfriend.
He added that when he saw his target “the red mist descended” and he drove at him.
Lady Margaret Scott said: “This appears to be to rooted in a dispute between you and Mr McGregor and his relatives.
“You saw him, turned the car, accelerated and drove at him.
“You then mounted the pavement and then drove into him and, having done so, carried on to the children.
“Six of them were thrown in the air like skittles. Two were hit with such force that they were carried over a parked car.
“Your conduct was entirely and utterly reckless and exceptionally serious.”
The children had been “laughing and joking” outside shops when Mr McGregor walked by.
They were struck by the silver Vauxhall Astra at a speed of around 26 mph.
In fleeing the scene, Gavan reversed over one girl, leaving the 14-year-old with a broken neck and requiring surgery.
Lady Scott described this as a “significant ordeal which she has tackled with courage”.
Mr McGregor, 21, and the other youngsters caught up in the hit-and-run suffered minor injuries.
It was heard the children and their families had been left traumatised by the incident.
Gavan’s lawyer said it was “little more than good fortune” there were no more serious injuries.
He added that his client was remorseful for what happened to the youngsters.
Gavan had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of the children and Mr McGregor at a hearing last month.
His 11-year term, which was backdated to August 18, would have been 15 years had he not made an early plea.
He also received a 15-year driving ban.
The court heard the Barlinnie prisoner is not “frightened of work” and wanted to use his time in prison to obtain academic qualifications.