Two jailed for attempted murder after blasting man with a shotgun on Bridge of Weir farm
Two men have been convicted of attempted murder after blasting a 42-year-old man with a shotgun. At the High Court in Glasgow John Docherty, 46, and Don Templeton, 37, from Johnstone, were found guilty of repeatedly discharging a shotgun at James McGurk on around 2.30pm on October 31, 2017, at Crosslee Poultry Farm, Bridge of Weir.
Mr McGurk was shot from behind and pellets hit his right buttock.
Before carrying out the attack Templeton stopped at the Tesco petrol station in Linwood to buy fuel for his Mercedes estate.
He and his co-accused were caught on CCTV at the filling station just minutes later the Mercedes estate was again seen on camera turning into the farm and then shortly afterwards driving away quickly.
In evidence Mr McGurk, 42, who buys and sells cars, said he did not know who shot him. At the time he was working on a car at the farm yard.
He told prosecutor Paul Nelson: “I can't remember much. It is all a blur to me. I got shot from behind.
“I heard a bang and I was propelled forward.”
The juror was shown dramatic CCTV footage of an injured Mr McGurk staggering to the nearby farmhouse for help.
Mr McGurk told the court he did not think Templeton had anything to do with the shooting.
He said: “I personally don't see him doing that to me because the two of us were pals. I told the police I didn't know who done it.”
Mr Nelson asked Mr McGurk: “Were you involved in anything that might make someone shoot you,” and he replied: “No.”
He told the court that Templeton had been angry about tools which were stolen.
Mr McGurk was asked by Mr Nelson: “Were you asked by Mr Templeton if you knew anyone that was stealing tools,” and he replied: “Yes.”
He gave a name that he passed on to Templeton and when asked why said: “Because he he is a thief.”
Pathologist Dr Marjorie Turner was asked about the potential danger of firing a shotgun at someone.
She said: “If you hit the head or neck there is a serious risk someone could die.”
Mr Nelson asked her: “Is there danger to that person's life,” and she said: “Yes.”
Both accused were remanded in custody by judge Lord Armstrong and will be sentenced next month.