Appeals fail for killers serving record terms

Two gangland figures serving record jail sentences for an underworld murder in Glasgow failed in appeals against their convictions yesterday.

James McDonald, 36, and Raymond Anderson, 48, were sentenced to life with a minimum of 35 years for the shooting of Michael Lyons, 21, at a garage in the Lambhill area of the city in December 2006.

Mr Lyons died and two other men were injured when gunmen, wearing "old men" masks and dark, three-quarter length coats, entered the Applerow MOT centre and opened fire. It was suspected the murder had been part of a war between the notorious Daniel and Lyons crime families.

McDonald and Anderson had denied involvement but were found guilty by a jury. The judge, Lord Hardie, described it as "a cold-blooded, premeditated execution" and handed down the longest sentences in Scotland.

Appeals by both men against the length of their sentences have still to be heard.