IT has been portrayed as a Glasgow gangland vendetta, the targeted close-range shooting of a former murder accused outside a primary school, with all pupils and teachers safe from harm.
The National can reveal, however, that there was a very real threat to the lives and health of all those inside St George’s Primary School, Penilee, early on Monday morning as a bullet was found yesterday lodged in a tree in the school grounds.
The discovery by forensic experts combing the school puts a different complexion on events which the authorities were anxious to portray as happening solely outside the school in Muirdykes Road.
Ross Monaghan, 35, was shot in the shoulder-back area just after he dropped off his daughter at the school. He drove to hospital and reportedly discharged himself on Monday afternoon after treatment for his wound.
The shooter put his weapon into a baby buggy and made his escape. It was confirmed yesterday that while the vast majority of pupils were inside the school when the incident occurred just after 9am, there were “a few” pupils outside the school buildings who had to be taken inside to safety. Monaghan was cleared at the High Court in Glasgow in May 2012 of the murder of Kevin “Gerbil” Carroll in an Asda car park in Robroyston in 2010. William Paterson was later jailed for life for the murder, with the judge recommending that he serve 22 years minimum.
In another development, police revealed that the suspect with the buggy had been seen at the school on Friday, January 13.
The fact that a bullet was recovered inside the school grounds proves that local people’s fears that a child, parent or teacher could have been killed were justified.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm that following further forensic searches being carried out today, a bullet has been recovered from a tree.
“It will be the subject of further ballistic forensic examination.” Appealing for information, Detective Chief Inspector John Kennedy said: “There’s no doubt that this incident has shocked local people and the wider community but people can be assured that every effort is being made to trace whoever is responsible for this crime.
“Our enquiries so far have shown that the suspect is believed to have been in the area, outside the school, on Friday, January 13, with the buggy so I’m appealing to parents, local residents or anyone who was in the area that day and who may have seen something to contact us.
“It’s possible the suspect made off in a vehicle and I’m asking people in the surrounding areas to think back and consider if they noticed anything unusual or suspicious.”
He added: “Did you see the man with the buggy, did you see him get into a vehicle? Any small detail could prove significant to our enquiries.
“Local people can expect to see additional officers in the area. If you have any information or concerns, please approach them and speak to them.”
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