A daughter and her husband have been jailed for four and a half years each for a brutal attack on the woman's mother in her own home. Paula McGill, 41, and Malcolm McGill, 43, left Kirsty Barrie, 56, with life-threatening injuries after forcing their way into her flat in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on May 6, 2024.
Attack Details
The High Court in Glasgow heard that Paula McGill and her mother had been estranged for around seven years, though they lived near each other. In the early hours, police responded to a noise complaint at a neighboring flat but mistakenly went to the McGills' door. Paula claimed she had heard nothing, and officers left.
About ten minutes later, Miss Barrie heard her buzzer and saw her daughter and son-in-law outside. She refused to let them in, but Malcolm McGill kicked the door open. Prosecutor David McDonald stated that both McGills entered, and Miss Barrie was in shock. Paula McGill shouted before dragging her mother to the floor by the hair, ripping some out, and kicking her multiple times in the face and head. Malcolm McGill stamped on Miss Barrie's ribs, causing a crunching sensation. The assault lasted about 30 seconds.
Injuries and Aftermath
The McGills fled, captured on a doorbell camera. Miss Barrie crawled to her bedroom, and a neighbor called for help. Police found her bloodied, and she told them her daughter and son-in-law had attacked her. Due to no available ambulances, officers took her to hospital. She suffered a brain bleed, fractured nose and ribs, a collapsed lung, severe bruising, and a lip wound. She was discharged on May 12, 2024.
The McGills were arrested that morning. Paula initially claimed she was at a friend's house but later admitted being in her mother's close, denying the assault. Malcolm made no comment. Forensic evidence linked them to the crime, including blood on Malcolm's Crocs shoes. They pleaded guilty to assault causing severe injury, permanent impairment, and danger to life.
Sentencing
Lord Mulholland sentenced them to four and a half years each, reduced from six years due to their guilty pleas. He also imposed a lifelong non-harassment order, banning them from contacting or approaching Miss Barrie. The judge warned that breaching the order is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment.
