Man admits attempting to kill six children in hit-and-run that broke teenager's neck

Gerald Gavan deliberately ploughed into youngsters during bid to kill rival

Gerald Gavan admitted seven counts of attempted murder (Police Scotland)

A man has admitted trying to kill six children by ploughing into them in a car as he attempted to murder a rival.

Gerald Gavan, 22, deliberately mowed down the youngsters in Glasgow‘s Castlemilk district after they were caught up in his feud with Billy McGregor.

Their dispute is thought to be linked to the murder of Jamie Lee in the area last year.

The children, all aged between 12 and 14, were standing on the pavement when Gavan mounted the curb in a Vauxhall Astra and struck the nearby Mr McGregor.

He then continued into the group of children, throwing them into the air.

A 14-year-old girl suffered broken neck after Gavan reversed over her to escape before speeding away. She required a six-hour operation and doctors later attached a titanium plate to her spine.

Mr McGregor, 21, and the other five children all suffered minor injuries.

Gavan pleaded guilty to seven counts of attempted murder at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Peter Sharp, of Police Scotland, said: “Gerald Gavan has today finally admitted his guilt following a number of months where he tried to evade justice in a cowardly manner.

“This incident which unfolded in the afternoon of Saturday March 24 in Castlemilk was something which will no doubt stay in the minds of the young victims for a long time.

“The injuries sustained by the 14-year-old girl were so serious that she required immediate surgery.

“Thankfully she survived, however the consequences could have been much, much worse.”

He added: “For anyone to play out retribution or aggression in a public area using a vehicle as a weapon will simply not be tolerated. For innocent members of the public to be caught up in this horrendous incident is unacceptable.

“I hope that the fact Gavan has pleaded guilty has spared the victim’s families the torment of a trial.”

Gavan will be sentenced on 25 September.

Lee, 23, was shot dead in July last year and no one has been convicted over his killing.

Police have issued a European Arrest Warrant for a suspect in the murder case after learning he may have left the country.