Men convicted of Lanarkshire Park murder

Three thugs murdered a man in a busy park in a row over £20.

51 year-old James Cook, son 28 year-old Jamie Cook and 49 year-old Peter Brown pounced on Jason McCue in front of horrified families and dog walkers.

The killing occurred at lunchtime in John Hastie Park in Strathaven, Lanarkshire in July 2017.

43 year-old Mr McCue was knifed three times - including once through the heart.

The gang then fled to the Cook family ice cream shop near to the park.

The Cooks and Brown now face life behind bars after they were convicted of murder at the High Court in Glasgow.

The trio will return to the dock later this month.

Jurors heard how Mr McCue was set upon while in the park with a number of friends.

The popular area was busy at the time with people enjoying the summer sunshine.

The court heard cash was owed to the killers.

Cook snr was described as being "in charge".

Cook jnr and Brown also went after Mr McCue's friends James Adams, Colin Inglis and Thomas Sutherland.

But, the trio soon turned on Mr McCue, who ended up stricken on the ground.

Cook snr was heard stating: "Kick his c*** in."

Cook jnr was then clocked striking out in a "stabbing motion".

Janet Guy recalled how she witnessed an attack as she walked with her grandchildren and dog.

The 69 year-old said she clocked one man with a knife and another with a hammer.

The retired hospital supervisor added: “"I thought at first they were mucking about - but then realised it was more serious.

"There was a man on the ground and he was being kicked from either side…”

"I panicked a bit and thought I've got two grand children here, I've got to get them out the park and we doubled back.”

The victim's friend Mr Adams recalled how he was initially chased by Cook jnr - known as Cookie.

He clocked Cook snr and Brown attacking Mr McCue and Sutherland before the son joined in.

Mr Adams told police: “I didn’t see Jason move again.

“I definitely saw all three of them. Cookie, his dad and Peter kicking and jumping on Jason and Tam’s head.”

The thugs escaped the family shop - Cookie Dough - close to the park.

James Cook changed his top while the son told his mum he had been stabbed by an unknown man.

Lord Matthews deferred for reports.