Evil cousins left victim for dead

Apr 17 2009 Paisley Daily Express

THREE brutal young thugs battered a man so badly that he has been left brain damaged.

David Collins suffered appalling injuries when he was repeatedly booted on the head and body by vicious trio Adam McManus, his cousin William McManus and Anthony Johnstone.

The 34-year-old victim was rushed to hospital, where he spent four days in intensive care.

It was discovered he had suffered trauma to his brain due to the attack.

Yesterday, the High Court in Glasgow heard that Mr Collins was left bed-ridden and with speech problems.

He now has trouble caring for himself.

It is expected his parents will have to move in with him to help with his quality of life.

Mr Collins was savagely battered by the McManus cousins and Johnstone after being chased by the three yobs.

He had been watching football at a friend’s house on November 22, last year, when he passed the three accused on his way home.

Mr Collins was then chased by them through various streets in Johnstone before he was caught.

He was repeatedly kicked and had his head stamped on, knocking him unconscious.

The victim was left lying on the ground, with his face bruised and an eye badly swollen, as his attackers fled the scene.

Police launched an investigation and arrested 17-year-old Adam McManus, his 20-year-old cousin William and 18-year-old Johnstone.

Yesterday, all three accused were remanded in custody after they admitted assaulting Mr Collins to the danger of his life.

Neil Beardmore, prosecuting, told the court the victim had been repeatedly booted on the head and body “for some time” by Adam McManus, of Acacia Place, his elder cousin, of Tower Road, and Johnstone, of Chestnut Place, all in Johnstone.

The court heard that, as of February this year, Mr Collins was still undergoing rehabilitation.

Adam McManus yesterday also admitted carrying out another assault, along with 19-year-old co-accused Craig McMillan.

On that occasion, Thomas McInally was attacked as he was returning to his home in Willow Drive, Johnstone, on August 8, last year.

Mr McInally suffered bruising to his forehead.

A fifth accused – 16-year-old Sean Sharkey – was also charged with being involved in both assaults but his not guilty pleas were accepted by prosecutors.

However, Sharkey did admit stabbing nurse Francis O’Neill, who was on his way home from a night out in the early hours of July 5 last year.

Sharkey ran after the 40-year-old victim in Aspen Place, Johnstone, and asked for the time.

But, before Mr O’Neill could reply, Sharkey – then aged just 15 – slashed him twice on the arm with a sharpened piece of metal.

The victim needed hospital treatment and was off work for five days.

Judge Lord Woolman also remanded Sharkey, of Maple Drive, and McMillan, of Willow Drive, both Johnstone, in custody.

He deferred sentencing on all the charges until May 14 at the High Court in Paisley.

The judge also asked for an update to be given on the condition of Mr Collins on that day.