Michael Day was found guilty at Glasgow’s High Court of murdering Thomas Bowers in a hit-and-run in 2023 which also left a second man, Stephen Byrne, with life-changing injuries
A killer is facing a life sentence after murdering a man by mowing him down with his car, while also leaving another in a wheelchair.
Michael Day rammed his Vauxhall Astra into Thomas Bowers and Stephen Byrne on a street in Glasgow in April 2023 after a row over money. The 24-year-old is now awaiting his fate after being convicted of murder following a trial at the city’s High Court.
Day, who only had a provisional licence at the time, rammed the car into both men as they were walking along the street in the early hours of April 14, leaving both with critical injuries from which neither would fully recover. Mr Bowers, 33, later died of his injuries, while 53-year-old Mr Byrne was paralysed in the attack.
Minutes earlier, both victims had left a flat nearby where the argument had broken out, with Mr Byrne saying he had been owed money. Shortly after leaving, both men were struck on Petershill Road, while shocking CCTV showed others then “rifling” the pockets of a stricken Mr Bowers.
Giving evidence in court on Monday, survivor Mr Byrne was asked about the crash, Glasgow Live reports. He said: “I heard the revving of an engine, the lights and that was it. I remember trying to jump as the car came towards me.”
The witness said he was drifting in and out of conscious as he lay stricken on the ground. A number of people came up the street and he asked them to call an ambulance for them both.
Day was said to have made incriminating remarks after the attack to a man and also asked in vain for him to help torch the Astra. The car was later discovered burnt-out in the city’s Riddrie. Prosecutors said Day then fled to a caravan park in Ayrshire and also got rid of a sim card from a mobile phone he had been using.
Lord Harrower adjourned sentencing until next month for reports. The judge told Day: “You have been found guilty of murder and attempted murder. There is only one sentence and that is one of life imprisonment.”
“No sentence will alleviate the suffering from those closest to Thomas Bowers. You showed a callous disregard for human life.” Day was remanded into custody and will be sentenced next month.
