Driver tried to kill six innocent children
A thug tried to kill six children in a horrific hit-and-run after they innocently got caught up in a bitter feud.
Gerald Gavan ploughed into the youngsters, having initially driven at his target Billy McGregor in Castlemilk. Gavan and McGregor have links to opposing sides connected to the murder of Jamie Lee in the area in July 2017. A judge yesterday watched graphic footage of the children being hurtled into the air as the 22-year-old hit both them and McGregor. Gavan reversed over one 14-yearold girl, who suffered a broken neck and required lengthy surgery. Gavan is now behind bars after he pled 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. 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.” Gavan’s former coaccused Gary Owen, dodge the car but Gavan continued towards the children.
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 and one woman left the courtroom in tears.
A 14-year-old girl was unable to get up and Gavan reversed over her before speeding off.
The court heard he was unaware she was still on the ground.
The teenager was found to have a badly broken neck and needed an initial six- medical attention.
The court heard Gavan’s guilty plea was accepted on the 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 and Owen, along with Ali Coats and Jay Gavan, both 20, had 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.