GERALD GAVAN FROM EAST KILBRIDE SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR HIT-AND-RUN IN GLASGOW'S CASTLEMILK AREA

In September 2018, a tragic and violent incident unfolded in Glasgow's Castlemilk neighborhood, resulting in the severe injury of multiple children and the subsequent imprisonment of Gerald Gavan, a 22-year-old man from East Kilbride. Gavan was found guilty of deliberately driving his vehicle into a group of six children, an act that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.

The attack was reportedly targeted at Billy McGregor, also known as William Dearie, who was present at the scene after visiting a nearby shop around 4:00 PM. As McGregor crossed the street, he noticed Gavan’s silver Vauxhall Astra approaching him at high speed. The vehicle suddenly accelerated, mounting the pavement and striking McGregor with force. Instead of stopping, Gavan’s car continued its destructive path, plowing into the group of children who were nearby.

Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment when the car collided with the children, causing chaos and panic among witnesses. The footage showed a 14-year-old girl being thrown into the air by the impact, then being reversed over by Gavan’s vehicle as he sped away from the scene. The young girl was found to have a severely broken neck, requiring extensive surgery, including the attachment of a titanium plate to her spine. She spent weeks in hospital recovering from her injuries, which were described as healing well, with hopes for a full recovery.

Other children suffered various injuries: a 13-year-old boy was treated for a leg injury, another 14-year-old boy needed stitches for a knee wound, a 13-year-old girl was badly bruised, a 12-year-old girl sustained muscle injuries, and another 14-year-old girl required physiotherapy. Mr. McGregor himself sustained cuts and bruises but declined medical treatment. The court was shown distressing CCTV footage during the trial, which depicted the moment of impact and the aftermath, including the girl being unable to get up and Gavan reversing over her before fleeing the scene at high speed.

Prosecutor Maryam Labaki explained that the incident was rooted in a longstanding family feud, which was believed to be connected to the 2017 murder of Jamie Lee in the same area. The court also heard that Gavan’s former co-accused, Gary Owen, aged 20, who had his not guilty pleas accepted, is related to a man wanted in connection with Jamie Lee’s shooting at a local play park.

Gavan’s actions were described by Lady Scott, the presiding judge, as wicked and reckless. She emphasized that Gavan did not care who he struck during his reckless driving, which resulted in the children being thrown into the air like skittles. The judge highlighted the gravity of the injuries inflicted, particularly noting the young girl’s broken neck and the painful surgeries she endured. Gavan was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was disqualified from driving for 15 years.

During the sentencing, Lady Scott condemned Gavan’s conduct, stating, “You did not care who you struck when driving your car. Your actions were wicked and reckless. The children were thrown into the air like skittles. One of your victims was later found to have a broken neck. She has undergone painful surgeries and she has tackled her ordeal with dignity and courage.”

In addition to Gavan’s conviction, he, along with co-accused Ali Coats and Jay Gavan, faced charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice, though all pleaded not guilty to those allegations. The incident has left a lasting scar on the community, with relatives of the victims visibly distressed in court as the footage was played, underscoring the tragic consequences of Gavan’s reckless actions.