Gang murdered man in busy park in row for £20

A gang murdered a man in a busy park in a row over £20.

James Cook, 51, his son Jamie Cook, 28, and Peter Brown, 49, attacked Jason Mccue in front of horrified families and dog walkers in Lanarkshire.

The killing occurred at lunch time in John Hastie Park in Strathaven in July last year. Mr Mccue, 43, was stabbed three times, including once through the heart. The gang then fled to the Cook family ice cream shop close to the park.

The three attackers now face life behind bars after they were yesterday convicted of murder at the High Court in Glasgow.

The trio will return to the dock later this month. Jurors heard how Mr Mccue was set upon while in the park with a number of friends.

The popular area was busy at the time with people enjoying the sunshine. The court heard cash was owed to the killers.

Cook Snr was described as being “in charge”.

The trio turned on Mr Mccue, who ended up stricken on the ground. Witness Jan- et Guy recalled how she saw an attack as she walked with her grandchildren and dog.

The 69 year-old said she saw one man with a knife and another with a hammer.

The retired hospital supervisor said: “I thought at first they were mucking about, but then realised it was more serious.

Lord Matthews deferred for reports.”