Thug’s getaway car cop blunder

ATHUG involved in a brutal murder bid helped get himsel f caught when he went to police to try and find his getaway vehicle.

Scott Carruthers, 28, teamed up with two associates to pounce on Antoni Brown in Henderson Street, Paisley, on April 28 last year.

The 30- year- old victim ended up needing major surgery for damage to his skull.

A judge yesterday heard how the attackers had drove to the scene in Carruthers’s white Vauxhall Astra.

After the assault, police had found the motor there unlocked and took it away believing it to be linked to what happened.

Prosecutor Michelle Brannagan then told the High Court in Glasgow: “On April 29, Carruthers attended Paisley police station regarding the whereabouts of his Vauxhall Astra.

“At this time, there was no indication of his involvement in the offence. He was informed his car had been uplifted due to its involvement in an incident the previous evening.

“Carruthers said he had been there alone in his vehicle around 5.05pm that evening and reversed parked next to a grey car.”

However, during a CCTV trawl, Carruthers was found to be one of the thugs who jumped out of the car that night.

Carruthers, of Johnstone, now faces a lengthy jail- term after he pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge.

Ms Brannagan told how Mr Brown had not long left his home with a friend when he was attacked.

Ms Brannagan said Carruthers initially punched Mr Brown, dragged him to the ground and delivered two “full force” kicks to the head.

One of the other thugs then pulled a long- bladed weapon from the waistband of his trousers and repeatedly hit the victim.

While stricken, Mr Brown was also struck by the other attacker with what was described as a “one- foot” knife or machete.

Carruthers tried to prevent further blows, but the victim was again hit before the thugs ran off. A badly wounded Mr Brown was later rushed to hospital suffering from multiple head injuries. He needed an urgent operation with his skull initially held in place with pins.

He was in hospital for almost a fortnight but has since made a good recovery.

Ms Brannagan said had he not got treatment, the injuries may have been fatal.

Colin Neilson, defending, had asked for waste management worker Carruthers to remain on bail pending sentencing, however, he was remanded in custody by judge Lord Fairley.

The court was told Carruthers had 22 previous convictions including for assault and housebreaking. Carruthers will return to the dock in the new year.