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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Nicola Findlay

Crazed HGV driver 'facing consequences' of shocking revenge attack says top cop

A top cop believes "justice has been done", after a crazed HGV driver who rammed a family home in Lanarkshire was locked up for 10 years.

The late-night revenge attack saw Derek Wellington reduce the terraced home of his ex-partner to rubble – with children inside – on East Kilbride's Lancaster Crescent, last September.

Vengeful Wellington, 34, was jailed yesterday at the High Court in Stirling, where he appeared by video link.

He pled guilty earlier this month to a string of domestic abuse charges in East Kilbride and Edinburgh between August and September last year, including culpable and reckless endangerment of lives.

Shocking footage captured an out-of-control Wellington, from Kilmarnock, slam into the home of the mum TWICE, after he flew into a rage when she refused to meet him.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin McGhee from Police Scotland has now vowed to continue the battle to bring perpetrators of domestic violence to justice.

Derek Wellington's Stobart lorry was discovered abandoned nearby (Victoria Stewart/Daily Record)

He said: "Derek Wellington is now facing the consequences of his reckless and appalling behaviour.

"This was a complex investigation by a team of dedicated officers, working closely with a number of other partner agencies, to ensure that justice was done.

"I hope that this sentencing today goes some way to giving other victims of abuse the courage to speak out.

"Domestic crime, in all its forms, has no place in our society and remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.

"If you are experiencing abuse, we want you to know that you are not alone.

"We encourage you to contact Police Scotland on 101 or seek support and advice from one of our partner agencies.

"Any disclosures made will be investigated thoroughly with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity to bring perpetrators to justice."

Glasgow High Court previously heard Wellington screamed down the phone at the 33-year-old victim: “I am going to park my lorry in your living room.”

Derek Wellington destroyed the house on Lancaster Crescent (Victoria Stewart/Daily Record)

The victim was later out on the street near her East Kilbride home when she spotted Wellington driving past.

Terrigying noise, described as being “like an earthquake”, were heard as Wellington repeatedly reversed his HGV into the woman's house, completely wrecking it.

(Daily Record)

The destruction left a £475,000 repair bill for that of her house and of a neighbour, with both ultimately losing their homes.

A friend and two children who were inside at the time escaped unhurt.

Clyde Valley Housing Association, which own the properties, told us earlier this month that the homes won't be rebuilt until next year.

A neighbour described how residents in the street are still shocked at what unfolded that night – with a daily reminder due to a gaping empty space where the two homes once stood.

"It was absolutely terrible and although everyone has tried to get on with things, there is a daily reminder of it," she said.

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