Man jailed for attempted murder on A7 near Selkirk

The case called at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 22nd Aug 2023

A 42-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after deliberately driving a van at a group of motorbike riders on the A7, just south of Selkirk.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard Barry Smith was acting as a support driver for a ride out involving around 100 motorcycles when the incident unfolded on July 24th, 2021.

Two men, who were part of a different motorcycle club, suffered serious injuries in the attack.

Smith, from Dunfermline, denied the offence but was convicted of attempted murder following a trial, before returning to court for sentence yesterday (Monday).

Commenting on the case, Detective Sergeant Barry Roebuck, of Police Scotland, said: "This was an entirely avoidable and needless incident, which will have long-lasting effect on both the victims and now the perpetrator who will face the consequences of his actions with this sentence.

"This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our communities and I hope the court outcome sends a clear message to those involved in serious crime that we are committed to seeking out those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

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