A thug involved in a brutal murder bid helped get himself caught when he went to police to try and find his getaway vehicle.
Scott Carruthers, 28, teamed up with two associates to pounce on Antoni Brown in Henderson Street, Paisley, on April 28, 2021.
The 30-year-old victim ended up needing major surgery for damage to his skull.
A judge yesterday heard how the attackers had driven to the scene in Carruthers’ white Vauxhall Astra.
After the assault, police had found the motor there unlocked and took it away, believing it to be linked to what happened.
Prosecutor Michelle Brannagan then told the High Court in Glasgow: “On April 29, Carruthers attended Paisley police station regarding the whereabouts of his Vauxhall Astra.
“At this time, there was no indication of his involvement in the offence. He was informed his car had been uplifted due to its involvement in an incident the previous evening.
“Carruthers said he had been there alone in his vehicle around 5.05pm that evening and reverse parked next to a grey car.”
However, during a CCTV trawl, Carruthers was found to be one of the thugs who jumped out of the car that night. It lead to his arrest on May 9, 2021.
Carruthers, of Johnstone, now faces a lengthy jail term after he pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge.
Miss Brannagan told how Mr Brown had not long left his home with a friend when he was attacked. The thugs had lay in wait in a nearby tenement close.
Mr Brown’s friend – who had been walking slightly ahead – turned to find three males wearing balaclavas attacking the man. The incident was caught on CCTV with footage played in court.
Miss Brannagan said Carruthers initially punched Mr Brown, dragged him to the ground and delivered two “full force” kicks to the head.
One of the other thugs then pulled a long bladed weapon from the waistband of his trousers and repeatedly hit the victim.
While stricken, Mr Brown was also hit by the other attacker with what was described as a “one-foot” knife or machete.
Carruthers tried to prevent further blows, but the victim was again hit before the thugs ran off. A badly wounded Mr Brown was helped back to his feet and initially to his home.
He was then rushed to hospital suffering from multiple head injuries, including a large skull fracture and puncture wounds.
Mr Brown needed an urgent operation, with his skull initially held in place with pins.
He was in hospital for almost a fortnight, but has since made a good recovery. Miss Brannagan said that, had he not got treatment, the injuries may have proved fatal.
Colin Neilson, defending, had asked for waste management worker Carruthers to remain on bail pending sentencing.
The court was told Carruthers had 22 previous convictions, including for assault and housebreaking.
But judge Lord Fairley told Carruthers: “You have pled guilty to, what I can see, was a savage assault of sufficient severity that it amounted to attempted murder.
“I am not prepared to continue bail and you will be remanded in custody.”
Carruthers will return to the dock in the New Year.
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