A JOHNSTONE thug whose role in a brutal murder bid was uncovered after he asked police about his missing car has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Scott Carruthers, 29, teamed up with two accomplices to pounce on Antoni Brown in Henderson Street, Paisley, on April 28, 2021.

The 30-year-old victim ended up needing major surgery for skull damage.

A court heard how the attackers had gone to the scene in Carruthers’ white Vauxhall Astra.

After the assault, police found the unlocked car there and took it away, believing it to be linked to the crime.

Officers then became suspicious of dad-of-three Carruthers when he turned up at Paisley police station to ask if they knew where his Astra was.

After CCTV footage was examined, Carruthers was found to be one of the thugs who got out of the car on the night of the attack.

He later admitted an attempted murder charge and was jailed by judge Lord Fairley today after appearing at the High Court in Edinburgh to learn his fate.

Lord Fairley told him: “The attack on Mr Brown was planned and carried out in concert with two others.

“In carrying out the plan, you were fully involved in the attack.

“You acted with wicked recklessness as to whether Mr Brown lived or died. In the circumstances, only a significant custodial sentence is appropriate.”

During earlier proceedings, prosecutor Michelle Brannagan told the court how Mr Brown had not long left his home with a friend when he was attacked by three men wearing balaclavas.

Carruthers, of Stirling Drive, punched Mr Brown, dragged him to the ground and delivered two “full force” kicks to his head.

One of the other thugs then pulled out a bladed weapon and repeatedly hit the victim.

Mr Brown was also struck by the other attacker, who was armed with what was described as a long knife or machete.

The badly-wounded victim was helped back to his home and was then rushed to hospital with head injuries, including a large skull fracture.

Mr Brown needed an urgent operation, with his skull initially held in place with pins, and was in hospital for almost a fortnight but has since made a good recovery.

The court heard that, without treatment, his injuries may have been fatal.

At today's hearing, defence advocate Patricia Baillie said Carruthers, who works as an industrial cleaner, had expressed remorse over the attack.

She added: “He very much regrets it. He does acknowledge the impact that these injuries had on the complainer.”

Lord Fairley told Carruthers his sentence would be treated as if it began in November last year, when he was first remanded in custody.