A MANIAC driver who murdered a man and left another in a wheelchair after a horror hit-and-run is facing life in jail.
Michael Day, 24, mowed down Thomas Bowers, 33, and Stephen Byrne, 53, in Glasgow’s Springburn in the early hours of April 14, 2023.
A forencis tent at the scdne of the murder and attempted murder in April 2023[/caption]
The shocking crime is said to have been sparked after a bust-up over money at a nearby flat.
Day – said to only have a provisional licence at the time – drove to the scene in a Vauxhall Astra before hitting the men as they walked in the street.
Mr Bowers never recovered having suffered fatal injuries.
Day was convicted of murder and attempted murder today following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Jurors watched CCTV of the attacks captured that morning.
Members of Mr Bowers distressed family left the courtroom before it was played.
The killing occurred in the city’s Petershill Road at its junction with Auchinloch Street.
The Astra hit both men before reversing, driving at them again and then fleeing the scene.
One police officer who examined the footage said it appeared others then seemingly were “rifling” the pockets of a stricken Mr Bowers.
Mr Byrne gave evidence during the trial. He remains in a wheelchair due to his injuries.
The witness said he had been at a nearby flat to speak to a man who owed him money.
He admitted there had been “raised voices” at the property, but denied there was any violence.
Both Mr Byrne and Mr Bowers were then struck shortly after leaving the flat.
Asked by prosecutor Greg Farrell what he recalled about the collision, Mr Byrne stated: “I heard the revving of an engine, the lights and that was it.
“I remember trying to jump as the car came towards me.”
The witness said he was drifting in and out of conscious as he lay stricken on the ground.
A number of people came up the street and he asked them to call an ambulance for them both.
Day was said to have made incriminating remarks after the attack to a man and also asked in vain for him to help torch the Astra.
The car was later discovered burnt-out in the city’s Riddrie.
Prosecutors said Day then fled to a caravan park in Ayrshire and also got rid of a sim card from a mobile phone he had been using.
Lord Harrower adjourned sentencing until next month for reports.
The judge told Day: “You have been found guilty of murder and attempted murder.
“There is only one sentence and that is one of life imprisonment.
“No sentence will alleviate the suffering from those closest to Thomas Bowers.
“You showed a callous disregard for human life.”
