Three men jailed for murder campaign across Glasgow and Lanarkshre

Three members of a so-called “super gang” have been jailed at the High Court in Glasgow, for a minimum of 59 years.

Barry Harvey, Thomas Guthrie, and Darren Owens were found guilty after a 12 week trial into a series of murders and attempted killings between 2018 and 2019.

Harvey was described by prosecutors as a “cold-blooded killer”, and was paid for shooting gym boss Gary More, 32, on the doorstep of his Airdrie home in September 2018.

The 35 year old splashed out on a set of “Turkey teeth” after being paid.

"Cold-blooded killer"

He was later involved in the attempted murder of drug dealer Scott Bennett, who was shot outside a vets in Rutherglen in December 2018.

Guthrie is already serving a life sentence for being the get away driver in the More killing, but was also convicted of his role in the Bennett attack.

The 27 year old was described as being “subservient” to “enforcer” and “top dog” Harvey, and was separately guilty of the attempted murder of lawyer Joe Shields, outside his office in July 2018.

Owen was also convicted for being part of the Bennett shooting, as well as the murder of Rafal Lyko, whose body was found in a burned-out Mercedes in Blantyre in February 2019.

"Extremely brutal offences"

Judge Lord Clark said during Harvey’s sentencing: “These were extremely brutal offences done because of drug debts owed by the victims.

"Each shooting was meticulously planned in advance.

"Crimes involving the use of guns are of the upper most concern to the public and the court.

"The fact the sale of drugs causes these appalling acts of violence and planned assassinations due to this drug debt is deeply disturbing."

"Deeply disturbing"

He is to serve a life sentence with a minimum punishment part of 29 years.

Guthrie’s original life sentence was due to end in 2041, however he has had a minimum of eight years added, while Owen was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years.

Co-accused, Thomas Wilson, was found not guilty of murdering Mr Lyko.

The offences were described by the judge as “extremely grave”.

The High Court heard Mr More owned a drug debt of £100,000, which prompted him to be lured away from his home before he was shot.

"Extremely grave"

The Skoda which was used in the attack was found burnt out later that night.

Guthrie was described as “cowardly” for his attack on Mr Shields, with prosecutor Lorraine Glancy adding the assault was “unprovoked”.

She said of Mr Shields: “he had multiple injuries and required medical treatment.

"He had a cut from his ear to the corner of his mouth and another to the right temple which needed 10 stitches.

"He had a cut on his right cheek and defensive injuries to his hands as he tried to protect his face - he also had slashes to his back."

Mr Shields was helped back into his office by witness and colleague John McGuire who rang 999 for help.

"Cowardly"

The advocate depute added that there was an obvious danger to his life had he not received medical treatment.

The getaway vehicle used in the murder bid was found burnt out in the same location used to set fire to the car used in the Mr More murder.

Bennett was locked up for four years and eight months in 2022 after he pled guilty to being involved in serious organised crime and the supply of controlled drugs.

Polish national Mr Lyko was murdered and left in a burning car which Miss Glancy stated was related to "drugs and drug debt."

"Unprovoked"

Mr Lyko told his cousin that he was to return to Scotland to be set up with a job in Valencia to work off the debt.

A Mercedes GLE vehicle was stolen in Edinburgh meantime which was later used in the murder of Mr Lyko.

Mr Lyko in his own Mercedes was picked up by the GLE vehicle in Cambuslang Lanarkshire, around 7.30pm on the night of his murder.

Mr Lyko was then driven to Blantyre, Lanarkshire, where he met his fate.

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• High Court in Glasgow