'Pack violence' killers more like animals than humans, says judge

Lord Turnbull said the men who hunted down Kieran Crawford had been involved in "pack violence".

His comments came as three men pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to the culpable homicide of the 22-year-old.

Craig Dodwell, 20, James McLauchlan, 21, and David McKay, 24, had originally gone on trial for murder.

The trio were remanded in custody and now face long jail terms when they return to the dock next month.

Mr Crawford and some of his friends – including Andrew Bain, 29 – had been walking in the city's Germiston area on 24 May last year.

The court heard that with the group being from the nearby Royston area it was "unwise" for them to be there.

Iain McSporran, prosecuting, said there was no obvious motive as to why an attack then occurred.

Mr Crawford and his friends were chased in the city's Forge Street. Dodwell was seen trying to trip Mr Crawford up.

Mr Bain was run down by a Land Rover – which was driven over his arm – before he was attacked.

Mr Crawford was then subjected to a vicious assault by a mob – including the accused – as he lay on the ground.

He was kicked, punched and struck with weapons – including a knife, brick and metal pole. As he slumped over a garden fence, he was hit repeatedly by McLauchlan and another attacker. The unconscious victim was later rushed to hospital suffering from a number of injuries including two stab wounds.

One had penetrated his lung and had slit a vital artery. Mr Crawford was pronounced dead later that day.

Mr McSporran said: "Having considered the CCTV footage and other evidence in the case, the Crown is prepared to accept that the knife was not wielded by anyone on this indictment."

He added: "It has never been suggested that Kieran Crawford did anything at all to cause any incident or justify or explain any violence against him."

The court was told that Mr Crawford's tragic death had caused "grief and distress" to his family.

Lord Turnbull said: "This was pack violence involving the chasing of young men. This is something that would be more associated to animals rather than humans."

Dodwell and McLaughlan, both of Germiston, and McKay, of the city's Ruchazie, were remanded in custody.

A 14-year-old boy – who also faced a murder charge – was bailed, having earlier admitted assaulting Mr Crawford.

Steven Gracey, 20, of Germiston, had his not guilty plea to the murder accepted and he instead admitted assaulting Mr Bain. He was also granted bail.

All five will be sentenced next month. Prosecutors earlier withdrew the murder allegation against Mark Thomson, 19, and Damian McDowel, 20.

Group admitted offences

Craig Dodwell, 20. Pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.

James McLaughlan, 21. Pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.

David McKay, 24. Pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.

Steven Gracey, 20. Admitted assaulting Mr Bain.

Boy, 14. Bailed after admitting assault.