Court hears homes 'shuddered' after Clydebank cash machine explosion

A woman is telling a court that her “whole house shuddered” when an ATM at her local Farmfoods exploded.

Laura Alison heard an explosion from her house coming from shops on Glasgow Road, Clydebank in January last year.

49 year-old James Deeney is standing trial at the High Court in Glasgow charged with forcing entry using to a ATM using gas with intent to steal.

Miss Alison contacted her friend Victoria Forbes, who worked in a nearby shop, to ask what happened.

She said: “What happened there, my whole house shuddered.”

Jamie McDonald, 34, told jurors as he passed Farmfoods that night and saw flames and smoke.

He said: “I could see there was a body on the ground so I reversed the car to see what had happened.

“It was clear the cash machine had exploded and a body was on the floor.

“He had a balaclava on and industrial gloves, as well as a heavy jacket and jeans.”

“When Mr McDonald attended to the man he said the man was “gargling” and didn’t wake up.”

The unconscious man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to hospital for treatment.

He sustained injuries to his face and and skull as well as bruising and bleeding to the brain.

Deeney, from Clydebank, was arrested by police and interviewed the following day.

When officers asked him why his van was in the area, Deeney said that he was looking for his dog.

He later told officers that he told them "porky pies" but maintained his innocence.

CCTV showed two masked men at the Farmfoods as the explosion took place.

One of the men was knocked unconscious after the blast while the other fled he scene.

Prosecutor Stephen McCloy said in his closing speech: “The evidence shows James Deeney and the other man were in a pre-planned operation to blow up the ATM that night.

“You can be sure of his guilt to the charge before you.”

Deeney denies the charges and the trial continues before Judge Michael O’Grady.