Two men accused of attempting to murder police officers in Drumchapel go on trial

The pair are alleged to have 'repeatedly struck' the officers last October

Published 26th Jun 2017

Two men have gone on trial accused of attempting to murder two police officers by repeatedly striking them with a car.

David McLean, 31, and Ryan Gilmour, 25, deny trying to kill PCs Deborah Lawson and Robert Fitzsimmons in Banner Drive in Drumchapel, Glasgow, on October 23 2016.

Jurors sitting at the High Court in Edinburgh heard on Monday how the pair allegedly reversed a Nissan Qashqai towards the two officers.

The two men allegedly "repeatedly struck" the Police Scotland officers before driving towards PC Lawson who was lying on the ground injured.

PC Fitzsimmons then allegedly grabbed his colleague out of the way of the vehicle, which allegedly had false registration plates fitted to it.

The allegation emerged on the first day of proceedings against McLean and Gilmour, both of Glasgow. Jurors heard the contents of a legal document detailing a total of six charges against the two men.

On the same day of the alleged attempted murder attempt, both McLean and Gilmour are said to have acted in disorderly manner in Banner Drive.

They are said to have brandished knives, bottles and shouted and swore before pursuing Dean McGhee, William Dunsmore and John Paul Shearon.

Prosecutors claim McLean and Gilmour banged on the door of a house in Banner Drive and attempted to gain entry to it.

The Crown claims the two men poured liquid through the letter box and that their alleged behaviour was a breach of the peace.

The pair are further charged with attempting to pervert the court of justice by wilfully setting fire to the Nissan Qashqai at Lennox Gardens in Glasgow with the blaze destroying the vehicle.

They are also accused of resetting the vehicle, which had been allegedly dishonestly appropriated by theft.

The two have entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

McLean is represented by advocate John McElroy. His co accused is represented by advocate Tony Lenehan.

The case is being prosecuted by advocate Tim Niven Smith.

On Monday, judge Lord Summers told jurors that proceedings are expected to take eight days.

The trial continues.