Gang of Scots thugs left terrified man "praying to god" after violent ambush over £30 debt
Three thugs who brutally ambushed a man over a £30 debt were jailed today for a total of nine years.
John McCormick, 57, Jamie Edgar, 36, and Yvonne Mooney, 44, pounced on Vajira Vandabona, 40, in Glasgow's Springburn on August 10 2023. Mr Vandabona was tricked into entering a vehicle by friend McCormick where he was set upon with a glass bottle by Edgar.
The injured man was then dumped in the city centre "praying to god." His bank card was taken from him by Mooney meantime and the trio went on to withdraw £500 from his bank account.
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Edgar, McCormick and grandmother Mooney were found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault and robbery. Sheriff Stuart Reid jailed Edgar for 54 months while McCormick received 36 months. Mooney was also locked up for 18 months.
After the sentence was delivered, Edgar went on a rant from the dock and shouted: "54 f***ing months? F***ing joke man. One year on remand I get six months off."
He then turned to McCormick and stated: "It's f****** your fault, I will punch your head in you old p****." The trial earlier heard Mr Vandabona had arranged to meet McCormick to return the cash that he owed him. He got in the car voluntarily on the belief that he was going to be driven to an ATM to withdraw £30.
Prosecutor Jessica McGowan told jurors in her closing speech: "As the car door closed, he was assaulted by Edgar while McCormick drove and Mooney took the card to withdraw £500. He was further assaulted outside the car then Mr Vandabona got a chance to run."
He was described as "shaking" after he flagged down help having suffered a "traumatic experience." Miss McGowan added: "He was left praying for god because of what these people did to him."
Mr Vandabona was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary having suffered an undisplaced fractured rib and wound above his right eye which was closed with glue. There was bruising under both eyes and swelling to the right side of his face.
The victim was released from hospital the following evening. Brian Fitzpatrick, defending Edgar, told the sentencing that his client suffered a serious brain injury after a car crash at 19.
The lawyer added: "The injury completely disinhibited his behaviour and he is quick to move to aggression. He continues to suffer from the consequences of this injury."
Ann McKinley, defending McCormick, of Springburn, stated that her client continues to profess his innocence.
Marisa Borland, defending mum-of-five Mooney, also of Springburn, said: "She has demonstrated remorse and is struck by the impact this has had on the victim."
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