'Outlaw' biker planted pipe bomb in gang feud

A motorcycle gang member who planted a pipe bomb under a van during a feud is due to be sentenced next month.

Daniel Laponder admitted planting the explosive under his rival's father’s van, causing a blaze outside his home in Lennoxtown, East Dunbartonshire, in June.

He targeted David Rollo because his son was a member of the Blue Angels Motorcycle Club, a rival to Mr Laponder's own, the Mad Dogs Motorcycle Club.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to wilful fire-raising and the unlawful possession of a shotgun at the High Court in Glasgow.

Mr Laponder told the court he left the Blue Angels Motorcycle Club, stated to be the oldest outlaw biker club in Europe, a year ago.

Prosecutor Lorraine Glancy KC said fire crews attending the blaze of Mr Rollo's van on Benvue Road found the pipe bomb lying underneath the vehicle.

A major incident was declared, resulting in the evacuation of the area and a 100-metre cordon was in place until the device was made safe.

Mr Laponder's DNA and fingerprints were recovered from a bottle and duct tape used in the making of the device.

Police traced him to a barge where he was living in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, after which he informed them of a shotgun he had inside.

They found a loaded double-barrel, break-action shotgun that had been shortened by removing a section of the barrel and stock.

John Scullion KC defended Mr Laponder's actions, telling the court: "Motorcycles belonging to friends of Mr Laponder were set on fire."

He added: "A group of motorcyclists attended Mr. Laponder's home address and threatened him with violence."

The sentence was deferred pending background reports by judge Lord Arthurson until next month and Mr Laponder was remanded in custody.

The judge said: "These are very grave offences involving serious weapons, and at the end of this process, you will receive a significant custodial sentence."