Trial date set for pair accused of trying to kill police

TWO men accused of trying to murder two police officers by knocking them over are to stand trial in June.

David McLean, 30, and Ryan Gilmour, 24, are charged with assaulting constables Deborah Lawson and Robert Fitzsimmons to their severe injury and “to the danger of their lives” at Banner Drive, Knightswood, Glasgow, last October 23.

It is alleged they reversed a Nissan Qashqai towards them, repeatedly struck them with the car, trapped them behind the open driver’s door, dragged them backwards and knocked them to the ground.

They are accused of then driving at Ms Lawson, who was lying injured in the road, causing Mr Fitzsimmons to drag her out of the way.

The pair are further charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by wilfully setting fire to the Nissan Qashqai, which had false number plates, at Lennox Gardens, Scotstoun, also on October 23, with the blaze destroying the vehicle.

They are also accused of resetting the stolen 4x4.

It is also alleged they committed a breach of the peace at Banner Drive that day, when they are said to have brandished knives and bottles, pursued three men, tried to force entry into a flat and poured liquid through the letter box.

Mr Gilmour is further charged with failing to stop the car when asked to do so.

The pair denied the charges at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

Mr Gilmour also denies two charges on a separate indictment of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance that day.

A trial was set for June 21 at the High Court in Edinburgh for both indictments.