Teenage driver admits attempted murder after 'ramming' pedestrian

A teenager who deliberately drove a car into a pedestrian in a hit and run incident has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Anthony Hornell, 19, struck Christoper Barrowman, 32, in Kilmarnock on 28 September 2025.

Hornell told his passengers "watch this boys, he is getting rammed" before driving straight towards Barrowman, who rolled up onto the bonnet and windscreen.

Barrowman was taken to hospital with a suspected concussion but discharged following a CT scan.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Barrowman had spent the day in Glasgow celebrating with friends and went to a takeaway in Kilmarnock before starting to walk home.

Hornell had been behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa with three youths as passengers when they drove past him.

Hornell and one of his passengers shouted something from the car window which led to Barrowman jogging after the car and stepping onto the road.

The court was told that Hornell turned the vehicle in his direction and stated: "Right, watch this boys, he is getting rammed".

Prosecutor Lynsey Rodger said: "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."

Barrowman hit the ground which caused his headphones and glasses to come off.

He immediately stood up but was dazed, bleeding from his hand and he believed he was concussed so he dialled 999.

Officers and medics attended and Barrowman was taken to hospital after he complained of pain to his head and left shoulder.

A CT scan did not reveal any serious injuries and he was discharged from hospital.

Meanwhile, Hornell had left the scene of the collision and picked up an 18-year-old friend.

On seeing the Corsa damaged, his friend asked him what happened to which Hornell replied that he had hit someone and driven away.

Hornell abandoned the vehicle which was reported to police who then connected it to the earlier incident.

Officers found Hornell and the youths near the vehicle and he was arrested.

Sean Templeton, defending, told the court: "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."

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Arthurson who warned Hornell he faced a jail sentence.