Thug admits part in murder bid on Daniel clan member
ACONVICTED thug has admitted being involved in a brutal murder bid on a member of a crime family. Ryan Quinn, 27, was the getaway driver as two machete-wielding accomplices leaped out to pounce on Robert Daniel at a council dump in Glasgow last September 11.
Daniel, 41, was left with life-threatening injuries during the minute-long assault captured on CCTV.
The car used in the attack was later found ablaze. Quinn was traced at a caravan park weeks later. After he was arrested, he was found to have burns on his hands and legs.
Quinn is now behind bars after he pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge at the High Court.
A judge heard how he already had eight assault convictions and had served a number of jail terms.
He will be sentenced next month. The court heard the victim – a member of the Glasgow-based Daniel clan – had been working that Saturday afternoon at the Dawsholm Recycling Centre.
Prosecutor Euan Cameron said the attack was “planned and targeted” although no motive was known, and added: “The role of Quinn was as the driver of the car which transported the assailants to and from the scene.”
CCTV saw Mr Daniel sitting the near the entrance as a black Ford Kuga pulled into the tip.
Mr Cameron said: “Two – as yet unidentified – males came from the rear both brandishing large machete-type weapons. They made their way to Robert Daniel, who attempted to run off. Both were observed repeatedly striking him using the machetes. The attack lasted less than a minute.”
A witness heard a man shout: “I did not mean it. I am sorry.”
Quinn spun the car around and the attackers – masked and wearing hi-vis clothing – jumped back in before the vehicle sped off. The Ford, with false number plates, was later found burnt out near Yoker.
Mr Daniel was rushed to hospital – he had wounds to his thigh and lower left leg as well as a head fracture and ligament damage.
Medics concluded had he not received treatment he would have suffered “uncontrolled” bleeding leading to possible death.
Quinn was held on September 30. A police casualty surgeon noted he had “burning injuries” to both his hands and legs.
His lawyer Geoffrey Forbes said: “I am instructed to tender his sincere apologies to Robert Daniel for his part in the attack.”
Lady Stacey deferred sentencing for reports.
The judge told Quinn: “You have a dismal criminal record and what you did that day was shocking.”