- Michelle Butler and her maltichon dog Henry were captured in the crossfire
- The dog passed away and owner sustained a hand injury after shooting in Cumbernauld
- Reece Govan and Bran Gallacher are set to be sentenced next month in Stirling
Two males have actually been secured after a murder effort saw an innocent dog walker shot and her family pet killed.
Reece Govan, 27, and Bran Gallacher, 26, went after a man through a housing advancement in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, when Michelle Butler and her maltichon dog Henry were captured in the crossfire.
Gallacher and Govan were set to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow however the other day confessed their criminal activities.
Govan fired at Marc McDermott, 31, with a shotgun, while founded guilty killer Gallacher snapped with a machete throughout the attack on January 23, 2020.
Govan then fired at Mr McDermott once again. But, as he battled with the weapon, he struck Ms Butler and her family pet. The animal passed away, after being struck by 25 shotgun pellets, suffering ‘catastrophic organ damage’. His owner sustained a hand injury.
Mr McDermott likewise made it through the attack, however suffered an injury to his back for which he required health center treatment.
Govan and Gallacher pleaded guilty the other day to tried murder. Govan likewise confessed 2 charges of culpably and recklessly releasing a gun.
The attack took place after Mr McDermott showed up home with his moms and dads. They saw a ‘suspicious’ Ford Focus which they had actually found in the street weeks prior to. Govan, Gallacher and a 3rd man then leapt out of the vehicle and security electronic camera video footage revealed them instantly pursuing Mr McDermott. One of the trio was heard screaming: ‘Get him.’
Prosecutor John McElroy, KC, informed the court: ‘The footage captures the initial chase, showing Govan carrying what appears to be a shotgun and Gallacher carrying a machete.’
The victim ran down a lane however was struck on the shoulder with the machete. He was then shot in the back. Despite being injured, Mr McDermott continued to attempt to get away.
Mr McElroy said: ‘As he ran, he heard a male – believed to be Gallacher – shouting “Reece, don’t”. There was then a 2nd gunshot.’
Mr McDermott was struck once again and required to stop. Ms Butler and her dog had actually neighbored when the 2nd shot was fired.After hearing her dog squeal, she scooped up her family pet and ran.
Mr McElroy informed the court: ‘She realised that, while she had a relatively minor injury to her hand, her dog had been struck by the majority of the discharged shotgun pellets and had died.’
Gallacher was imprisoned in 2015 for 10 years for culpable murder. Govan was handed a six-and-a-half year sentence in 2016.
Both were remanded and will be sentenced next month in Stirling.
