Men jailed for air rifle and crossbow attacks

Aug 7 2008 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO Blantyre thugs who assaulted a man they believed was involved in the death of their brother were jailed this week for a total of six years.

Peter McQueen (22) attacked Anthony Brown with a crossbow and brother John Paul McQueen (28) fired an air rifle at him.

But on both occasions Mr Brown, of Parkville Drive, escaped without any serious injury.

The McQueens’ brother, drug dealer Brian, had been stabbed to death in the town’s Hardie Street on February 13.

The High Court in Glasgow heard this week there had been a “history of animosity” between the McQueen and Brown families, who live near each other.

On February 24, Mr Brown was visiting his mum at her home in Parkville Drive and saw John Paul McQueen use a hammer to vandalise a car belonging to his friend.

Later that afternoon, John Paul McQueen and others were outside Mr Brown’s house in the street yelling threats.

Mr Brown went outside and McQueen fired an air gun once, but no-one was hurt.

On March 14 this year, Mr Brown was at home when Peter McQueen and a crowd of friends appeared outside.

He was unable to slam the front door shut and, when McQueen stepped in, he repeatedly fired a crossbow at him.

The court heard that at least two bolts struck Mr Brown and one had to be removed from his left shoulder.

Mr Brown was taken to hospital but suffered only minimal bleeding and was later released without any treatment.

John Paul McQueen was arrested days after the incident and his brother handed himself into police in April.

Peter McQueen’s counsel, Lorraine Glancy, said the accused heard of remarks Mr Brown had made about his brother’s death prior to the crossbow attack.

She added: “It is sad that he has little victim empathy but, given the background, that is not entirely surprising.”

Graham Robertson, defending John Paul McQueen, said his client’s actions were “unacceptable”.

Mr Robertson went on: “His brother had been stabbed to death and it was Mr McQueen’s understanding that Mr Brown was actively involved in the assault that proved fatal.”

Peter McQueen admitted assaulting Anthony Brown to the danger of his life by repeatedly discharging a crossbow on March 14 this year.

John Paul McQueen pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Brown by firing an air rifle at him on February 24. He also admitted a charge of causing malicious damage.

On Tuesday, Judge Lord Menzies jailed Peter McQueen, of Parkville Drive, for three years and nine months.

John Paul McQueen, of Auchinraith Terrace, also Blantyre, was locked up for two years and three months.

The judge said the sentences were reduced due to their guilty pleas.