Driver shot in car at Glasgow traffic lights died of 'catastrophic ' head injuries

A driver died from a catastrophic head injury after shots rang out as he sat in his car at traffic lights, a court heard. Taxi driver Rustam Saddiq, 25, told the High Court in Glasgow, that two shots ran out he drove towards the junction of Shields Road and Scotland Street, Glasgow, on November 15, 2016.

Seconds earlier Mr Saddiq told the High Court in Glasgow that an Audi Q5 overtook him in St Andrews Drive going at 40 to 50 mph.

As he approached the traffic lights at Shields Road he saw the Audi Q5 stopped at the lights alongside an Audi RS4 driven by Euan Johnston.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC asked Mr Saddiq: “What happened as you approached,” and he replied: “As I slowed down behind the Audi Q5 I heard two shots and then it just sped off into Scotland Street.

“At the time I said to my friend Umar Mohammed who was in the car with me it sounded like gunshots, but I wasn't sure.”

He told the jury that he then saw the RS4 crash into metal barriers at the side of the road.

Mr Saddiq added: “I then saw someone get out the passenger door to assist the victim.

He told the court that his friend Mr Mohhamed phoned the police and went over to try to help.

Mr Prentice asked Mr Saddiq if he could see any of the occupants of the Audi Q5 and he replied: “No.”

Mr Saddiq was giving evidence at the trial of Anthony Ruthven, 32, and David Scott, 33, who deny murdering Euan “EJ” Johnston in Kinning Park, Glasgow, on November 15 last year, by shooting him.

Prosecutors claim the pair - while acting with others unknown - repeatedly discharged a firearm at Mr Johnston.

Ruthven also faces a separate attempted murder and assault charge in connection with alleged incidents on August 12 2016.

Under cross-examination by Donald Findlay QC, representing Ruthven, Mr Saddiq said that he never saw Johnston's car before it stopped at the traffic lights and had no idea where it had come from.

Mr Findlay then asked: “Did anyone get out of either of the cars,” and Mr Saddiq replied: “Not that I could see.”

The defence QC then said: “It was bang bang just as quickly as you say it,” and the witness responded: “Yes.”

Mr Saddiq then said that the Audi Q5 drove off immediately.

Earlier, paramedic David O'Hara said that he received a call at 11.47pm to attend the incident following a report of gunshots.

When he arrived police were already on the scene. He said he went over to Mr Johnston's car and found him slumped over the steering wheel.

Mr O'Hara said: “There was another man in the passenger seat and he told me the injured man's name was Euan.

“I examined the man briefly and came to the conclusion he had suffered a catastrophic head injury.”

The court heard that Mr Johnston was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by ambulance and was pronounced dead at 2.50am.

The trial before judge Lady Stacey continues.