Third man found guilty of killing security guard in Lanarkshire

A man has become the third person found guilty of the killing of a security supervisor in North Lanarkshire.

Billy Hay was involved in the fatal attack on Mohammed Abu Sammour, who was beaten and then reversed over in his own works van as he lay stricken.

The 20 year-old along with Scott Pearson, 24, and Ryan Hunter, 30, had decided to steal the Peugeot as they walked through the Torrance Gardens housing development in Newarthill, late at night on October 28 2018.

But, the joyriding plan turned violent after discovering Mr Sammour sitting in the van.

The 49 year-old dad-of-four suffered fractures to his skull, face and ribs as well as being partially scalped with both legs also badly injured.

Jurors heard when a householder discovered Mr Sammour he appeared to be praying for his life.

Hay had denied being involving instead pinning the blame on Pearson and Hunter.

But, Hunter told how Hay attacked Mr Sammour that night and while Pearson claimed he had not seen the young thug in years, it emerged he instead told his mum he had been there at the killing.

Hay was convicted of culpable homicide on Mr Sammour after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Hay initially faced a murder charge.

He now joins Pearson and Hunter behind bars.

In 2019, Pearson was ordered to serve a minimum 18 years for murder with Hunter sentenced to six years after he admitted to the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

Hay was remanded in custody and will learn his fate next month.

Mr Sammour's emotional wife and other family were in the courtroom to see Hay convicted.

Judge Lord Arthurson said: "The jury decided you were responsible for the killing of Mr Sammour by the circumstances of the Crown case at trial.

"You left others to provide assistance to him as the victim lay dying.

"These people should be commended for their actions for doing what they could for Mr Sammour who we heard in evidence was praying in the knowledge of his imminent death."

The trial heard how the thugs had taken a shortcut through the development and planned to steal the Osprey works van.

Stones were initially hurled at the vehicle.

Mr Sammour then sprang out and tried to chase them away.

But, the dad ended up being punched, kicked, hit with a brick and knuckleduster as well as being stamped upon.

The trio then piled into the van with Pearson behind the wheel.

Despite claims Hunter warned Pearson that Mr Sammour was still behind the van, he continued reversing stating: "I do not care?".

They then drove away abandoning their victim.

Paul Armstrong lived on the estate with his family and looked out to find the stricken Mr Sammour.

He told jurors: "There was so much blood and the man was badly disfigured.

"He was speaking not in English - it was Arabic. It seemed that he was praying.

"He was speaking very fast and I could hear the word 'Allah' several times.

"He had injuries to his head and face. His leg was badly disfigured and there was the blood surrounding the body on the road.

"His leg looked as if it was badly broken or dislocated.

"There was a flap at the top of his head that came right over his face like a mask.

"I had never seen anything like it before."

Mr Sammour never survived and passed away in hospital. His van was later discovered burnt out.

Both Hunter and Pearson gave evidence at this latest trial.

Prosecutor Kevin McCallum QC quizzed Hunter on his testimony at the 2019 case when he stated Hay had assaulted Mr Sammour - including hitting him with a brick.

Mr McCallum also said Hunter had told jurors Hay had kicked the victim "four of five times".

The advocate depute: "Is that what you said?"

Hunter: "Yes, but I was not sure."

It was also stated Hunter had grabbed Hay that night and ordered him to "f***ing stop it".

Pearson meantime said there were three people there that night - but Hay was not one of them.

He told the court it was "five or six years ago" he had last seen Hay.

Mr McCallum put to him: "You do not want to give evidence for the Crown at all or be seen to be a grass?"

Pearson: "Of course not."

The increasingly annoyed killer also claimed not to know why Hay was on trial.

He claimed: "I know I am giving evidence, but could not tell you why he (Hay) is here.

"I have known the young man for years. I do not know why I have been called as a witness.

"You are trying to get me to turn on someone who has done nothing."

However, it emerged Pearson had admitted to his mum during a prison visit in 2019 that he was with Hay that night.

Mr McCallum: "Is that what you told her?"

But, Pearson replied: "No, I do not accept that."

Sentence was deferred until next month.

Hay - first offender - had his remand in custody continued meantime.

Hay was told: "I love you son" by a woman who was in the public gallery as he was led from the dock into custody.