Teenager Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder Following Hit and Run
A 19-year-old man has admitted to attempted murder after deliberately driving a car into a pedestrian in a hit and run incident in Kilmarnock.
Anthony Hornell struck 32-year-old Christopher Barrowman on 28 September 2025. Before the collision, Hornell reportedly told his passengers,
"watch this boys, he is getting rammed"and then drove directly towards Barrowman, who was propelled onto the bonnet and windscreen of the vehicle.
Barrowman was subsequently taken to hospital with a suspected concussion but was discharged following a CT scan.
Incident Details Presented at High Court
The High Court in Glasgow heard that Barrowman had spent the day celebrating with friends in Glasgow and later visited a takeaway in Kilmarnock before beginning to walk home.
Hornell was driving a Vauxhall Corsa with three other youths as passengers when they passed Barrowman. Hornell and one of his passengers shouted something from the car window, prompting Barrowman to jog after the vehicle and step onto the road.
The court was informed that Hornell then turned the vehicle towards Barrowman and stated,
"Right, watch this boys, he is getting rammed".
Prosecutor Lynsey Rodger described the event:
"Hornell drove straight at Mr Barrowman who by that time was standing on the middle of the road holding his arms out.
Hornell accelerated towards him and hit him head on.
Mr Barrowman rolled up onto the bonnet, struck the windscreen and rolled off the car onto the road."
After the collision, Barrowman hit the ground, losing his headphones and glasses. He immediately stood up but was dazed and bleeding from his hand. Believing he had a concussion, he dialled 999.
Emergency services attended the scene, and Barrowman was transported to hospital after complaining of pain in his head and left shoulder. A CT scan revealed no serious injuries, and he was discharged.
Aftermath and Arrest
Hornell fled the scene and later picked up an 18-year-old friend. Upon noticing damage to the Corsa, the friend inquired about the cause, to which Hornell admitted he had hit someone and driven away.
Hornell abandoned the vehicle, which was reported to the police and subsequently linked to the incident. Officers located Hornell and the youths near the vehicle and arrested him.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Defence counsel Sean Templeton addressed the court, stating,
"He very much regrets his behaviour that night and the actions he took.
He wishes to convey his apologies to the victim in court.
He knows there was potential for much more serious injuries than what occurred."
Sentencing was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Arthurson, who cautioned Hornell that he faced a custodial sentence.
