Man denies murdering security guard by driving over him

Mohammed Abu Sammour, a dad-of-four, died in hospital in October 2018.

A man denies murdering a security guard by attacking him with a brick and knuckleduster and driving over him as he lay on the ground.

William Hay, 19, from Holytown, is alleged to have murdered 49-year-old Mohammed Abu Sammour, while acting along with Scott Pearson and Ryan Hunter, on October 28, 2018, at the Torrance Gardens housing development at Panton Avenue, Newarthill in Lanarkshire.

It is alleged Mr Sammour was repeatedly punched on the head and body, repeatedly struck on the head and body with a brick or knuckleduster, knocked unconscious and then his works van driven over him and stolen.

Mr Sammour, a dad-of-four, died at Wishaw General Hospital on October 28, 2018.

Hay is also alleged to have attempted to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of clothing and footwear, a brick and a knuckleduster and setting fire to the van.

At the High Court in Glasgow Hay, who is represented by QC Donald Findlay, pleaded not guilty to both charges and lodged a special defence of incrimination to the murder charge.

Prosecutor Murdoch McTaggart told the court no trial can be fixed because of the Covid-19 situation.

Judge Lord Mulholland continued the case until March 11 when it is hoped a trial can be set.

Hay, who is on bail, was not in court for the brief hearing.

In 2019 Scott Pearson was jailed for life for the murder of Mr Sammour and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years. Ryan Hunter admitted the lesser charge of culpable homicide and was jailed for six years.

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