Man pleads guilty to daylight hit and run in Aberdeen

Jeffrey Binnie struck Garry Black in the city last year

Garry Black suffered an onslaught of attacks on George Street
Author: Kieran BrandPublished 5th Mar 2024
Last updated 6th Mar 2024

A man is pleading guilty to mowing down another man in Aberdeen.

Jeffrey Binnie struck Garry Black in broad daylight in the city's George Street on February 27 last year.

He and the 29 year-old's co accused, William Hanratty, have admitted assault to the victim's injury and danger of life.

Binnie and 41 year-old Hanratty made their guilty pleas at the High Court in Glasgow.

Witness Codie Anderson, who met Garry Black in Thain’s Bakery on George Street, initially saw Jeffrey Binnie in the driver's seat of a grey car parked on Gerrard Street.

The pair then had a brief conversation with Mr Hanratty before leaving the bakery and walking along the pavement of George Street towards the city centre.

Co-accused attacked victim with "wheel wrench"

Prosecutor Stephen McCloy said: "They observed Hanratty running towards them in possession of a wheel wrench or similar item.

"Hanratty had shortly exited the passenger side of the grey car driven by Binnie.

"The car followed Hanratty at speed and stopped at the edge of the pavement beside Mr Black."

Hanratty attempted to strike the victim with the wheel wrench and Garry Black was forced off the pavement by the car as it moved towards him.

Mr McCloy added: "He quickly moved backwards with his hands on the bonnet of the car as it moved directly at him at speed.

"Mr Black was struck by the vehicle, causing him to fall onto the bonnet of the car.

"He was thereafter carried at speed to the opposite side of the road before the vehicle stopped, throwing the victim to the pavement."

Hanratty then ran towards Garry Black as he was on the ground and kicked him.

Mr McCloy stated: "Mr Black then got up, approached the vehicle and it again drove at him, striking him and caused him to collide with a green stationary car."

Hanratty then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.

Garry suffered bruising and pain as a result of the attack.

The matter has been deferred until next month when judge lord Scott said he anticipates a “substantial custodial sentence."

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