Police hunt for Hamilton road rage maniac

May 9 2008

A MAN was assaulted then struck by a car after complaining about parking in a bus bay.

Daniel Keenan suffered serious injuries in the road rage attack.

On Saturday the 54-year-old Marks and Spencer storeman had been for a drink at the Woodside Bar, Woodside Walk, Hamilton.

Shortly before 11pm he walked to a bus stop in nearby Gateside Street and was waiting there when a dark-coloured BMW pulled up.

Mr Keenan, who was anxious not to miss an approaching bus, told the driver that he should not be parked there.

The driver, who had a female passenger, responded by grabbing a golf club and threatening Mr Keenan.

Mr Keenan jumped on the Earnock-bound bus and got off at Sherry Drive, near his home, at about 11pm.

Police believe the BMW followed and Mr Keenan was attacked as he made his way home.

Mr Keenan’s wife Denise (51), who works at Philips, Hamilton, said: “After my husband got off the bus, the man came up behind him and hit him with a golf club.

“Daniel managed to get the golf club off him and the man went back to his car.

“He turned the car around and as my husband was trying to get the registration number, he revved the car, swerved towards him and hit him.

“He was knocked into the air.

“He used the club to hobble home and we took him to hospital.

“Although he had no broken bones, he was bruised all over and had blood running down his face.”

Mr Keenan was detained at Hairmyres Hospital until Monday and had nine staples inserted in a head wound.

Mr and Mrs Keenan have a 23-year-old daughter, 28-year-old son and 16-week-old grand-daughter.

Mrs Keenan added: “He can hardly walk at the moment but he is lucky to be alive.”

Police have appealed for information and are trying to trace two suspects.

One is a male of mixed race, aged 18 to 22, about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build with short, black hair and stubble.

He was with a woman aged 18 to 20 who had curly, red, shoulder-length hair and pale skin.

Police are treating the case as attempted murder and are expected to use CCTV footage to try to identify the occupants of the BMW.

Detective constable Marie Martin said: “It is believed that the driver followed the 54-year-old man after a disagreement at the bus stop in Gateside Street, and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the initial incident and can help identify the suspect.

“I’m also appealing for the assistance of anyone who was in Sherry Drive around the time the man was struck by the car.”

Information to DC Martin on 01698 483389 or Crimestoppers — where info can be given anonymously — on 0800 555111.