Dad-of-three jailed for running over man in Greenock

A roughcaster who drove a van at a man over an alleged debt was caught because he left his driving licence in the vehicle.

At the High Court in Glasgow dad-of-three Sean McGartland, of Balloch Road, Greenock, admitted assaulting Liam Reid to the danger of his life by driving at him with a Ford Transit van and pinning him against a wall.

The offence took place at Murdieston Street, Greenock, on August 27, last year.

McGartland was originally charged with attempting to murder Mr Reid, but the Crown accepted his guilty plea to the reduced charge of assault to danger of life.

Prosecutor Kath Harper said: “At the time the accused was on bail from the Justice of Peace Court in respect of alleged road traffic offences.”

The court heard that at 6pm Mr Reid was walking in Murdieston Street and saw the accused driving along in a van.

McGartland began to shout aggressively about money he claimed Mr Reid owed him.

Ms Harper said: “The complainer turned and began running down the street away from the van.

“The van caught up with Mr Reid as he tried to climb over a garden wall. The accused drove the van at him, pinning him against the wall.

“At this point the accused leaned out of the window and repeatedly punched Mr Reid and demanded to know the whereabouts of the money he claimed was owed to him.”

McGartland then reversed the van slightly before driving at Mr Reid and striking him again.

Mr Reid was screaming in pain and shouting that his leg was broken.

The van was found in Gabriel Street, Greenock the next day. Police officers who searched it found McGartland's driving licence. One of the prints taken from the van matched that of the accused.

The owner of the van confirmed that McGartland had borrowed it two days earlier.

A search of McGartland's home revealed the hi-vis vest he was wearing during the offence.

Mr Reid was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital and had to undergo surgery to repair his right leg. A pin had to be inserted in the bone.

Judge Lord Mulholland deferred sentence on McGartland until June 10 for a background report.

He told him: “You used a van as a weapon and caused a very serious injury to this man.”

McGartland has previous convictions for violence, disorder, drugs and road traffic matters.

Defence counsel John McElroy will give his plea in mitigation when the case calls again.

McGartland is remanded in custody.

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