Disqualified driver jailed for life for murdering teenager while drunk and high on drugs

A disqualified driver who deliberately mowed down innocent teenager Liam Hendry with a Transit van was today sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder.

At the High Court in Glasgow judge Lord Arthurson ordered Wright to serve at least 22 years before he is eligible for parole.

Lord Arthurson told Wright: “You have visited on Mr Hendry's family a life sentence of grief.

“You used your van as a weapon. This was a murderous attack on your victim who was unnown to you.”

High on alcohol and cocaine Wright, 32, drove at excessive speed and hit Liam close to Celtic Park on September 29, 2019 causing him to smash onto the windscreen and suffer horrific head injuries.

Eighteen-year-old Celtic fan Liam was standing watching as two rival groups from Glasgow's Barrowfield clashed around 6am that morning.

Wright jumped in his van, drove into Barrowfield Street at speed before swerving and ploughing into Liam, from Barrowfield, who was standing close to the pavement. He was thrown into the air by the impact and smashed into the van's windscreen.

Friends and other residents rushed to the dying teenager's aid. At this point the van did a u-turn and drove at four people who were trying to help Liam.

Wright was convicted of attempted murder for driving at them.

The court heard that Liam suffered catastrophic head injuries.

The judge praised the quiet dignity of Liam's family, who were in court every day of the trial.

Prosecutor Liam Ewing said: “The accused intentionally drove at Liam Hendry who was standing there. The accused came along looking for a target. Barrowfield Street is a dead end. There was no reason for that journey in the van other than a planned attack.”

A jury found Wright guilty of murdering Liam and attempting to murder four others.

The court heard that night Liam was at the home of his friend Daniel Ewing in Barrowfield.

Daniel, 19, recalled going outside with friends to see two gangs chasing each other - but Liam, who was not interested in 'territories or groups' initially stayed indoors.

But, as Daniel went to return home, he spotted Liam across the street.

Daniel said: "The van swerved right to where Liam was. I shouted, but, unfortunately, it was too late.

"It hit Liam and sent him up into the air. I was then with Liam the full time.

"I had him in my lap and there was a woman trying to give him CPR.

"I was begging that he was not dead, but I just knew."

Daniel said the van made a U-turn and came back towards them and he saw Wright was driving.

Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the incident including the desperate attempts to save the teenager in the street.

The court heard Wright has previous convictions for offensive weapons, road traffic matters and and dishonesty.

Defence QC Tony Graham said: “Mr Wright asks me to apologise in the expectation it will offer little comfort to Mr Hendry's family and friends.”

Celtic fans paid tribute to Liam by clapping for the entire 18th minute during an Europa League match against Cluj at Parkhead days after the murder.

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