Luton man faces jail after murder conviction
William McDonagh was found guilty on Tuesday
A man from Luton's facing a prison sentence after he being convicted of murder for running another man down in his car and fleeing the scene.
William McDonagh, 53, of Verulam Gardens, Luton, was found guilty on Tuesday of the murder of 60-year-old Robert Duggan, who was found seriously injured in Axe Close, Luton after being struck by a vehicle.
Emergency services were called to the scene on June 11, but Mr Duggan was pronounced dead shortly after.
The court heard how earlier that morning, McDonagh had been banging on the windows and door of Mr Duggan’s flat where his daughter was also present, and had tried to force his way in.
An argument took place before McDonagh left the property and went to the local shop, where he was seen on CCTV buying a bottle of whisky and cigarettes.
A short while later he returned to the flat with the bottle of whisky in his hand and started banging on the windows again.
A brick was then used to smash the living room window. Both Mr Duggan and his daughter headed outside to see McDonagh walking away.
On their way back, a black car turned into the road and drove straight at them.
Mr Duggan’s daughter managed to push her father out of the way, but the car headed towards them again and struck Mr Duggan.
He died from his injuries shortly after paramedics arrived.
He will be sentenced on 2 February next year.
Detective Inspector Iain Macpherson from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “This was a completely senseless attack on a defenceless man that had fatal consequences. Our thoughts remain with Mr Duggan and his family through this very difficult time.
“McDonagh deliberately drove at Mr Duggan and so I am satisfied that this conviction reflects his atrocious actions, which have caused both the victim’s family and those who witnessed the incident so much distress.”