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Gunman jailed for murder bid over drug debt

News imageSpindrift a young man with cropped brown hair and wearing a grey hoodie is standing outside a court buildingSpindrift
Steven Gordon, who was initially targeted by Purdie at his home in Glasgow, was previously jailed for his involvement in the car chase and attack

A gunman who tried to kill his victim in a daylight shooting over a drug debt has been jailed for 13-and-a-half years.

Jamie Purdie fired shots at the home of Steven Gordon in Garthamlock, Glasgow, on 3 February 2025 in what a judge described as "a planned hit" before fleeing the scene. The two men then got involved in a high-speed car chase across the city.

Purdie, 36, eventually crashed his car into a bus near the Fort shopping centre and was hit by Gordon's Land Rover before he fired another shot.

Purdie was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having previously pleaded guilty to a number of charges including attempted murder as well as other gun and driving offences.

He will be supervised for a further three years on his release and has been banned from driving for 10 years.

Gordon was jailed in December for three years and six months at a separate hearing after he pled guilty to his involvement.

He admitted assaulting Purdie to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of his life.

'Terrifying criminal behaviour'

The court heard how Purdie told police he had been forced to carry out the crime due to a drug debt.

Judge Louise Arrol KC told Purdie "innocent citizens are entitled to live their lives without being subjected to terrifying criminal behaviour" such as the discharge of firearms and dangerous driving.

The judge added: "These offences were brought about by your involvement in drugs.

"Shots were fired at two locations - each a public place - in what can only be described as a planned hit.

"You were seeking to deliver a message. The sentence I am imposing will also send a message.

"It is this - the court will not allow people like you to cause fear in society."

Rhonda Anderson, defending, said Purdie had apparently been "reluctant" to get involved.

The solicitor advocate said: "Even at a late stage, he wanted to run away, but was aware others were watching him."

Purdie had also accepted that he had "exposed the public to serious risk".