Killer driver jailed for 20 years over Glasgow hit and run
A killer car driver who murdered a pedestrian and maimed another victim in a hit and run attack was jailed for life today.
Michael Day, 25, was ordered to serve at least 20 years in prison before he can apply to seek release on parole.
A judge told Day at the High Court in Edinburgh: "This was a deliberate, sustained attack on two individuals in which you repeatedly used your vehicle as a weapon."
Lord Harrower said Day has shown "no remorse" for what he did and appeared to have no insight into his offending.
The judge said that he was conscious that no sentence the court imposed could alleviate the suffering of the deceased's family.
Day was earlier convicted of murdering Thomas Bowers and attempting to murder Stephen Byrne in a car attack in the early hours of April 14 in 2023 in the Springburn area of Glasgow.
He drove onto a pavement at Petershill Road before mowing down the men and then driving again at the stricken victims.
Mr Bowers, 33, later died of injuries sustained in the attack and Mr Byrne (53) was left seriously injured and permanently disfigured following the murder bid on him.
Day, a prisoner, rammed them with a Vauxhall Astra minutes after a confrontation at a nearby flat. Day had been using a flat in the area for drug trafficking.
The attack survivor told a court that before he was hit by the car he heard an engine revving. He said: "I remember trying to jump as the car came towards me."
He said he was drifting in and out of consciousness as he lay on the ground after he was struck. He asked people in the street to call an ambulance to come to their aid.
Drug offender Day had denied committing the murder during the attack at Petershill Road at its junction with Auchinloch Street but was found guilty of the crime. The court heard he continues to maintain his innocence.
Prosecutors alleged that after the attack Day removed a sim card from a mobile phone and fled to a caravan park in Ayr.
Defence counsel Mark Moir KC said: "On any view this was an appalling act of violence."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Dangerous teenage driver led police chase through Cwmbran
Police spotted Joshua Thomas driving a Vauxhall Astra without a licence in Cwmbran on November 1 last year. When they signalled for him to stop, Thomas ignored them and led them on a chase through Greenmeadow, St Dials, Hollybush and Fairwater. During the chase, Thomas ignored traffic lights and drove straight through junctions – almost causing several crashes. 'Thankfully no collision or injury was caused,' said prosecutor Hywel Davies. When Thomas 'eventually' stopped, he tried to make his escape on foot. The defendant was arrested, and answered no comment in interview. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a licence. Thomas, 19, of Usk Court in Cwmbran, had three convictions for five offences – including for driving without a licence or insurance. The court heard Thomas was also sentenced in February to 10 months detention, suspended for 18 months, for supplying and possession of Class B drugs, possession of a bladed article, and possession of criminal property. He was further accused of breaching his suspended sentence by failing to attend appointments on June 12 and 14, and his attendance on the mandated sessions was described as 'sporadic at best'. Emma Harris, mitigating, said the drug offences took place the previous April, and it was 'unfortunate' that these latest matters couldn't also have been dealt with at the same time as Thomas' postal requisition hadn't been sent. 'In respect to the dangerous driving matters there is little that can be said,' she said. 'It was appalling piece of driving.' Ms Harris said Thomas struggled with 'difficulties' with his mental health, but had taken 'great strides' in rebuilding his support network. She added that he had voluntarily given up cannabis and had become abstinent 'off his own back'. The defendant had also not reoffended since the dangerous driving, she said. Addressing the defendant, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: 'I have grave reservations about this, but I will give you the one opportunity you deserve to make good.' He sentenced Thomas to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. He was disqualified from driving for three years, and must pass an extended re-test to regain his licence. For breaching his suspended sentence, Thomas was ordered to pay a £250 fine and £150 in costs. Judge Jenkins ordered the previous sentence to continue alongside the new one. 'You are now subject to two suspended sentence orders,' he said. 'This is your final chance.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Two dead including 25yo driver after Vauxhall Astra hits wall as cops launch appeal for information
HORROR CRASH Two dead including 25yo driver after Vauxhall Astra hits wall as cops launch appeal for information Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO people including a 25-year-old driver have died after a Vauxhall Astra crashed in the early hours of Sunday morning in Chester. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene after the horror collision in Eccleston - which saw the car smash into a wall. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Two people have died following a horror crash in Chester Credit: Alamy 2 A car collided with a wall on Hill Road in Eccleston, pictured Credit: Googlemaps The tragic crash occurred on Hill Road at 1:40am in the morning - before cops hurried to the scene. A 47-year-old man who was a passenger in the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. But he sadly passed away later on, Cheshire police confirmed on Monday. The 25-year-old driver of the black Astra was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver was from Smallwood while the passenger was from Rossett. Local cops are also appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward with any information. The Cheshire force also said that both the men's next of kin of were being supported by specialist officers. Emergency services who arrived to the scene found a black Vauxhall Astra which had collided with a wall. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent two engines from Chester to the scene. Officers with the constabulary's serious collision investigation unit are appealing for any witnesses to contact them. Inspector Steve Griffiths said: "This was an absolutely tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families of the men involved." He added: "Enquiries in relation to the collision are ongoing and as part of our investigation we're keen to hear for anyone who witnessed the collision. "The same goes for anyone with any video footage of which may aid the investigation." Any witnesses of the crash should call 101 and quote IML 2137070 - or give details via the website. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Two dead including 25yo driver after Vauxhall Astra hits wall as cops launch appeal for information
TWO people including a 25-year-old driver have died after a Vauxhall Astra crashed in the early hours of Sunday morning in Chester. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene after the horror collision in Eccleston - which saw the car smash into a wall. 3 3 3 The tragic crash occurred on Hill Road at 1:40am in the morning - before cops hurried to the scene. A 47-year-old man who was a passenger in the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. But he sadly passed away later on, Cheshire police confirmed on Monday. The 25-year-old driver of the black Astra was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the man behind the wheel was from Smallwood while the passenger was from Rossett. Local cops are also appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward with any information. The Cheshire force also said that both the men's next of kin of were being supported by specialist officers. Emergency services who arrived to the scene found a black Vauxhall Astra which had collided with a wall. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent two engines from Chester to the scene. Officers with the constabulary's serious collision investigation unit are appealing for any witnesses to contact them. Oasis fans abandon cars and walk down hard shoulder after horror crash killed one and shut motorway in both directions Inspector Steve Griffiths said: "This was an absolutely tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families of the men involved." He added: "Enquiries in relation to the collision are ongoing and as part of our investigation we're keen to hear for anyone who witnessed the collision. "The same goes for anyone with any video footage of which may aid the investigation." Any witnesses of the crash should call 101 and quote IML 2137070 - or give details via the website. The appeal said on Cheshire Constabulary's website: "Shortly after 1.40am on Sunday 20 July, Emergency Services were called to reports of a collision involving a black Vauxhall Astra colliding with a wall, on Hill Road, Eccleston, Chester. "Police and ambulance attended the scene, but despite the best efforts of all those involved, the driver, a 25-year-old man from Smallwood, died at the scene." It added: "A passenger in the vehicle, a 47-year-old man from Rossett, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. "Sadly, he has since sadly passed away as a result of his injuries."
