Clydebank mum 'heard ribs crunch' amid attack by daughter and husband

Paula and Malcolm McGill left Kirsty Barrie, 56, with life-threatening injuries after bursting into her flat in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on May 6, 2024.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the mum and her 41-year-old daughter were estranged at the time and had not spoken to each other for around seven years.

However, the McGills and the victim lived near each other.

In the early hours, police had been alerted to a noise complaint in a neighbouring flat of the thug couple.

They went to the McGills' door instead - Paula McGill said she had not heard anything, so officers left.

The court heard that around 10 minutes later, Miss Barrie then heard her buzzer going.

She looked out to find her daughter and her husband at the property.

Miss Barrie did not allow them in.

But, a short time later, the woman's door was kicked open by 43-year-old Malcolm McGill.

Prosecutor David McDonald then explained: "Both McGills entered - Miss Barrie said she was in a state of shock.

"Paula McGill was shouting before Miss Barrie was dragged to the floor by the hair, some of it being ripped out.

"She kicked her multiple times on the face and head as she lay on the floor.

"Malcolm McGill stamped on Miss Barrie's ribs once. She felt them 'crunching'.

"Miss Barrie believes the whole assault lasted no longer than 30 seconds."

The McGills fled, with them being caught on a doorbell camera going out the close.

The stricken victim managed to crawl to her bedroom before a neighbour came in and got help.

Officers found the bloodied mum - she told them she had been attacked by her daughter and son-in-law.

Police had to take her to hospital as there were no ambulances available.

She had a brain bleed, fractures to her nose, ribs, as well as a collapsed lung, severe bruising and a wound to her lip.

Mr McDonald said: "It was assessed at the time that the injuries would require ongoing treatment and further specialist input."

She was able to leave hospital on May 12, 2024.

The McGills were arrested that morning. 

Paula McGill initially claimed she had been at a friend's house at the time, but then admitted being in her mum's close, but denied assaulting her mum.

Malcolm McGill made no comment.

Forensic evidence linked the pair to the crime, including blood marks on Malcolm McGill's "Crocs" shoes.

The pair pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Miss Barrie to her severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of her life.

Lord Mulholland deferred sentencing for reports until a later date.