Scotland Crime LIVE as Nazi hunters 'incredulous' Scotland never prosecuted war criminal Anton Gecas

Welcome to the Daily Record's live crime blog, where we will be keeping you up to date with the most shocking and serious news from around the country.

From the latest at Scotland's High Courts, to what's happening at the end of your road, we will have reporters all over the nation who are dedicated to covering the biggest crime stories every single day.

Today we are covering a new book revealing Nazi hunters in the US were furious that notorious war criminal Anton Gecas was never prosecuted in Scotland despite being delivered "on a silver platter". We are also reporting on a young Dundee FC fan being scarred for life after a flare was thrown during a match where five youths were arrested over pyro incidents.

As well as local and national news in Scotland, we will also bring you the major news stories from around the rest of the UK - and from across the globe - so you can be kept up to date on the biggest crime stories as they happen.

Get alerts on the latest Scottish crime news sent straight to your messages by joining the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here. Alternatively, you can sign up to our daily newsletter.

Key Events

Police officer in hospital after 'train station attack' in Glasgow 16:03
Paedo ex-teacher who runs Scots B&B 'should be put on sex offenders' register' 15:20
Humza Yousaf condemns sickening racist graffiti found near his Dundee home 13:58
Sickening Snapchat footage of dead hamster in microwave probed by Scots cops 12:40
Man 'stabbed' in Scots town on Easter Sunday as cops launch probe 11:24
Dundee fan, 10, scarred for life after being hit by flare as five youths arrested over pyro incidents 10:04
Nazi hunters 'incredulous' Scotland never prosecuted war criminal Anton Gecas 08:39
Man charged over 'XL Bully attack' in Glasgow street as Chihuahua dies 14:42
Man charged after 'ram raid rampage with stolen lorry' left Scots shops wrecked 13:15
Death probe set for Scots killer who died behind bars after stabbing ex-bodybuilder 11:36
Scots dad turned up at boy's house with knife and threatened to 'rip his face off' 10:15
Aberfeldy murder victim Brian Low died from gunshot wounds to neck and chest 08:58
Man arrested in connection with Googlebox star George Gilbey's death 15:13
Drunk Scots footballer who killed Rangers fan dad in horror crash jailed 12:30
Man threatened cops with blade after police car 'crash' as woman arrested 11:07
Scots couple bitten while trying to save pet puppy being mauled by three 'out of control' dogs 10:12
Edinburgh Academy teacher assaulted pupils with bat and golf clubs in 20-year abuse campaign 08:42
Scots drugs kingpin who ran coke operation is jailed after being caught in EncroChat sting 16:05
'Cannabis farm' worth £3.2mil busted in Borders town 14:57

16:03Key Event

Police officer in hospital after 'train station attack' in Glasgow

A police officer is in hospital after an alleged attack at Glasgow Queen Street Station on Easter Sunday. The British Transport Police (BTP) cop was called to the station after receiving reports of "intoxicated members of the public being abusive” at 9pm.

The officer attended and was allegedly assaulted. He was rushed to hospital for treatment. His current condition is unknown.

Footage of the incident shows punters allegedly attacking the BTP officer before dragging him down to the platform. Officers investigating the incident confirmed two men, both in their 20s, have since been charged.

15:49Ewan Mowat

Creepy Scots nurse who groped colleague in busy hospital dodges jail

A nurse who fondled a colleague as they worked in a busy hospital ward has narrowly avoided jail. The female victim told a court she "froze" when Andrew Cassels "massaged" her buttock while she wrote patient notes.

Cassels, 36, of Bearsden, near Glasgow, was found guilty of sexual assault after trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court. Sheriff Michael Higgins said the incident had been “deeply distressing” for the victim and had a “detrimental “ impact on her.

The incident happened at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, on November 12, 2019. The married victim, now aged 47, said she was about to have a break and Cassels was taking over from her when he came up behind her and "massaged or touched [her buttock] in a circular motion three times".

The woman said she was upset but continued working because "people in the ward were ill and you carry on doing your job".

15:20Key Event

Paedo ex-teacher who runs Scots B&B 'should be put on sex offenders' register'

A convicted paedophile who runs a Scottish B&B should be placed on the sex offenders’ register, insists one of his victims. Gary Bloom, 69, was a primary school teacher in Australia in 1985 when he sexually assaulted 10-year-old Stewart Carter.

Bloom later emigrated to Scotland but after he returned to Australia for a family visit in 2021, he was arrested. Despite being found guilty to three separate charges of indecent assault, he walked free and was able to return to Scotland.

Stewart, now 49, said: "The fact that Bloom has been allowed to lawfully return to Scotland means it would be sensible for him to be placed on the sex offenders’ register."

Stewart contacted Police Scotland about Bloom, who runs a guest house in Aberdeen and was placed on the sex offenders' register in his homeland for life.

14:46Ewan Mowat

Mum whose son died from single punch still makes his bed every week

A mum has said she still makes her son's bed every day in the hope he'll come home - nine months after he died of a single punch in an unprovoked attack.

Jake Rainton, 23, died at the hands of Ryan Patient, 25, who lashed out while drinking heavily on a stag do. Horse lover Jake had been enjoying a day out with his girlfriend. But he tragically lost his life and him mum has revealed the toll his passing has taken on her.

Dawn McGurty said: "Jake was a lovely boy, kind and caring and in no way aggressive. He was standing in the street, not even looking at his attacker, when he was floored with a single punch.

"Since he died, I have kept his bedroom exactly the same. There is a takeaway pizza box and a bottle of pop. His clothes are all there. I change the bed, every week, just as I always did, kidding myself that one day he might come home. I just cannot bear to accept that he has gone."

14:21Ewan Mowat

Savage teen girl gang arrested after disabled man 'beaten to death'

A 12-year-old girl and two 13-year-olds have been arrested after the alleged attack of a disabled man who was chased and beaten to death.

Reggie Brown, 64, was allegedly chased by the three young girls down an alley and hauled off a chain link fence he'd been attempting to climb to flee.

Detectives in Washington DC allege the girls stomped his head on the concrete, pulled his trousers down to his ankles and beat him with his own belt.

Police said Brown was found dead on the street just before 1 am suffering from gruesome injuries consistent with assault. An autopsy later confirmed his death as a blunt force trauma.

13:58Key Event

Humza Yousaf condemns sickening racist graffiti found near his Dundee home

Humza Yousaf has warned it is "increasingly difficult" to shield his children from racism after he was targeted with Islamophobic graffiti near his Dundee home.

Racist slurs relating to Humza Yousaf’s Pakistani heritage and his religion were sprayed on the walls and fences of homes in Hamilton Steet, Broughty Ferry, on Monday. It is near where the First Minister lives with his wife and two children.

Yousaf, who became Scotland’s first Muslim and ethnic minority FM just over a year ago, described it as another reminder why a "zero-tolerance approach to hatred" was needed.

13:36Ewan Mowat

Child dies after shooting at Finland primary school

A child has died and multiple people have been injured after a shooting at a primary school in Finland. Police were called to the horror incident at Viertola primary school in Vantaa at 8.08am UK time following reports that several shots had been fired.

Three children aged 13 were left wounded - tragically one of them later died. Officers confirmed that a suspect, also a child, had been detained. Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat said the suspect was caught in the Helsinki area later in the morning.

Pupils are reported to have hidden as the attack unfolded, while others told their parents on the phone that they had seen what had happened. Teachers are said to have locked children in classrooms to keep them safe.

Armed officers remain at the scene alongside other members of the emergency services. Local residents have meanwhile been advised to stay away from the area, remain indoors, and told not to open the door to strangers.

12:59Ewan Mowat

Man charged over 'suspicious' Dundee flat death

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a 43-year-old in Dundee. Emergency services were called to reports of a man found seriously injured at a property on Charleston Road shortly after 11pm on Saturday.

He was rushed to Ninewells Hospital for treatment but lost his fight for life on Sunday, March 31. Police Scotland previously confirmed they are treating the death as "suspicious".

A 43-year-old man has now been arrested and charged and is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court today.

12:40Key Event

Sickening Snapchat footage of dead hamster in microwave probed by Scots cops

A video showing a dead hamster in a microwave is being investigated by police. The sickening footage was taken on Snapchat and shared to Facebook.

The video shows what appears to be a dead hamster lying in a microwave. Scots youths can be heard screaming and laughing as the creature lies motionless. One male voice is heard shouting: "RIP my boy."

A second video taken shows a girl holding the motionless animal in her hands and taking it out of the kitchen before the clip ends. The stunt has been branded “sick” by people who have watched the post on social media.

12:17Ewan Mowat

Families of Brit backpackers killed in Thailand face fresh heartache over killer's demand

A bar worker found guilty of bludgeoning a couple of British backpackers to death in Thailand has demanded a review of the case. Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, both 29, were sentenced to death for killing David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, in 2014.

Prison letters show that the duo still maintain their innocence 10 years after the brutal murders on Koh Tao island. In a letter to his legal team, Zaw Lin wrote: "I have been in prison [for] almost 10 years for nothing, it's unbelievable... Could you please retrial again my case? I've never seen the people who died on the beach at Koh Tao."

The killers have always said that they were fitted up, and they accused Thai detectives of carrying out a "botched" probe. They have been visited by a delegation of solicitors in prison, including a British justice campaigner.

The news will heap fresh agony on Hannah and David's families, who have suffered a decade of misery over the murders. David's family have previously criticised online activists supporting the killers.

11:52Ewan Mowat

Inside crisis-hit prison where six inmates died in matter of weeks

A spotlight has been shone on a scandal-hit prison where six inmates have died suddenly in recent weeks. At least four of the deaths reported at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales, are being treated as drug-related, authorities have confirmed.

One former prisoner has claimed the privately-run prison is the jail of choice for criminals as "every drug you can buy outside, you can buy in Parc". He said: "Sometimes drugs would get thrown over the wall or a drone would come over."

Deaths over the last few years include one inmate whose kidney cancer was allowed to spread for months despite the prison being told he needed an operation. Others involved staff failing to safeguard inmates.

11:24Key Event

Man 'stabbed' in Scots town on Easter Sunday as cops launch probe

A man has been left seriously injured after reportedly being stabbedon Easter Sunday. Emergency crews raced to the incident on Aitken Street in Airdrie after receiving reports of an assault at 6pm.

Paramedics attended and a 60-year-old man was found seriously injured. It is understood he suffered blade wounds.

He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment. He has since been discharged. Police have launched a probe into the incident and enquiries are ongoing.

11:00Ewan Mowat

Scotland's new hate crime law explained

A new law surrounding the harm caused by hatred and prejudice officially come into force in Scotland yesterday.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act was initially passed by MSPs back in 2021, and it builds upon existing offences for stirring up racial hatred that have been in place across the UK since 1986.

However, the new legislation, which comes into force on April 1, has previously come under fire for potentially being "weaponised" for political purposes, as well as drawing criticism from the likes of JK Rowling and Elon Musk that it could damage free speech.

Proponents for the bill have hit out at "disinformation" surrounding the legislation, with First Minister Humza Yousaf claiming there is a “triple lock” of protection for speech.

Here's everything you need to know about the new law in Scotland, and what it covers:

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scotlands-new-hate-crime-law-32484940

10:27Ewan Mowat

Youths arrested after OAP 'shoved to ground' after argument on dog walk

A pensioner was shoved to the ground by a group of sick youths in a horrifying and unprovoked attack. The woman, 74, was left face down in a field after being assaulted by the yobs while walking her dogs near Ardblair Woods in Blairgowrie.

An argument broke out when the OAP encountered the thuggish gang at around 6pm on Saturday, March 30. One of the group filmed the incident as the woman, wearing a yellow jacket, can be seen walking quickly to get ahead of the group.

When the clip begins, the youths can be heard taunting the pensioner, who remains silent as she tries to get past. Several teens are shouting abuse at her when she gets ahead of the group and continues walking away.

Suddenly, a dark-haired girl runs up behind the woman and firmly pushes her in the back with both hands. The 74-year-old is sent flying into the muddy ground, and is seen lying motionless on the deck with her face buried in the grass. The sick thugs burst out laughing and run away from the scene.

Police Scotland have launched a probe into the shocking attack, with officers carrying out patrols in the area, and confirmed on Monday that three youths had been charged in connection.

10:04Key Event

Dundee fan, 10, scarred for life after being hit by flare as five youths arrested over pyro incidents

A young football fan has been left scarred for life after he was struck in the face by a flare during a Scottish Premiership match. Dundee FC supporter Levi Rennie, 10, was in the away end at McDiarmid Park on Saturday for his team's clash with rivals St Johnstone when the terrifying incident took place.

His mum Sheree, 49, said she will never forget the smell of her little boy's burning flesh as the horror unfolded. The pyrotechnic burnt Levi's cheek and scorched a hole in his forehead - above his eye - with the schoolboy being told by medics that he could have been blinded in the incident.

Sheree said: "When we were in the ambulance, he kept asking me, ‘Am I still burning?’ The stench of his skin was so strong and I know that has had a big impact on him. When we got to the hospital, doctors told us that Levi could have lost his eye because the flare just missed it by millimetres."

Police Scotland confirmed a 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident. A further four youths - aged 13, 15, 17, and 17 - have also been arrested in connection with pyrotechnics use at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

09:32Ewan Mowat

Edinburgh man shaken after youbs 'pull knife' on him after he foiled 'break in'

An Edinburgh man has been left shaken after two teen yobs allegedly pulled a knife on him when he confronted them for trying to break into a flat. On Sunday, the passerby spotted two hooded teens with bolt cutters outside a plush tenement in Marchmont in broad daylight.

The concerned resident noticed the pair looking suspicious outside the Warrender Park Road property and when he approached them, he claimed they pulled out a knife and threatened him.

Despite the terrifying threat, the man was able to capture several images of the youths, with one seen holding a pair of bolt cutters.

Police were called to the scene following a report of a man being threatened by two males with weapons, and the force are currently probing the incident to establish the full circumstances.

09:08Ewan Mowat

XL Bully owners can now apply for exemption certificate ahead of criminalisation

XL Bully owners in Scotland are now able to apply for a special certificate that will allow them to keep their pets. As of August, it will be a criminal offence to own the banned breed without official exemption authorisation.

And applications are now open for those who wish to keep the controversial dog beyond the summer deadline. The Scottish Government brought in legislation on the back of restrictions being put in place in England, following concerns over a rise in attacks on humans and other dogs.

A wave of restrictions are already in place, with all XL Bullies to be muzzled and on a lead when in public.

08:39Key Event

Nazi hunters 'incredulous' Scotland never prosecuted war criminal Anton Gecas

A new book has revealed how top US Nazi hunters remain “incredulous” that Scotland failed to prosecute notorious war criminal Anton Gecas. Investigators in Washington claim they delivered Nazi Gecas “on a silver platter” and are angry he was never convicted in a Scottish court.

Gecas was accused of commanding Nazi death squads involved in the murder of 32,000 civilians yet he was allowed to live in freedom in Edinburgh until his death aged 85 in 2001. He was a commander with the 12th Lithuanian Battalion, which slaughtered thousands of Jews and Russians with such savagery even German administrators officially complained of their “extreme beastliness”.

Witnesses say Gecas gave orders in one of the most infamous massacres of the war when thousands of Jewish and Russian men, women and children were murdered in the town of Slutsk in Belarus over two days. They were rounded up and shot in mass executions, dead and wounded laid on top of each other in pits and Gecas would shoot any survivors before the corpses were covered in bleach and burned.

Gecas had come to the attention of the Nazi hunters of the American’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI) as early as 1981. when he was named by another 12th Battalion collaborator it was investigating in the United States.

Neal Sher, then head of the OSI, flew to Edinburgh to interview Gecas along with officers from Lothian and Borders Police and remarkably he admitted he had been in the 12th battalion and “witnessed” massacres. He said he hadn’t killed because he was a devout Catholic.

16:05Ewan Mowat

Husband and wife charged with historic sex offences against two children

A husband and wife are due in the dock over child sex offence allegations. The couple were charged with historical offences against two children following a police raid yesterday.

The man, 61, and his wife, 57, were detained at their home in Co Down, Northern Ireland, at around 6am on Thursday, March 28. They both face allegations of serious historical sexual offences.

The husband has been accused of a number of sexual offences, including historical gross indecency, and faces one charge of rape, while his wife is facing a number of charges related to his alleged offending.

They were both interviewed separately at intervals throughout the day in Antrim and were 28-day charged. They were released shortly after 10pm last night and are expected to appear in court on Thursday, April 25, while police officers continue to investigate the allegations.

15:40Ewan Mowat

George Gilbey's Gogglebox star mum Linda's 'struggling with rollercoaster of emotions'

Gogglebox star Linda McGarry is struggling with a "rollercoaster of emotions" after the death of her son George Gilbey. The 40-year-old is understood to have fallen 80ft to his death while working on Wednesday morning.

George tragically died at the scene. A colleague has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Family friend Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, who broke the news of George's death on Wednesday, said Linda has been inundated with messages of condolences.

15:10Ewan Mowat

300 youngsters storm shopping centre in shocking footage

Hundreds of youngsters stormed a shopping centre in shocking scenes which saw police called in and a dispersal order being issued to the 300-strong gang by officers.

Scores of children, many of whom were wearing school uniform, swept through the complex, with some confronting security guards stationed in the building.

The carnage was caught on camera, with footage showing a security guard clashing with a child before he is swarmed by a large group of kids who surrounded him.

The crowd was then involved in a stand-off with police officers and security guards, which saw pushing and shoving. Shocking photos of the melee were also taken.

14:42Key Event

Man charged over 'XL Bully attack' in Glasgow street as Chihuahua dies

A man has been charged after a beloved pet dog was killed in an alleged street attack involving an XL Bully-type breed. Police have confirmed a 49-year-old man has been charged following the incident in Bridgerton, Glasgow, on March 18.

Abbie McKinnon had been out walking her Chihuahua Gizmo when another dog and its owner approached them and allegedly set upon the tiny pooch. Tragically little Gizmo died at the scene and heartbroken owner Abbie sustained a wound on her back during the incident.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and was due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.

14:18Ewan Mowat

Gogglebox star George Gilbey's final words before tragic workplace incident

The tragic final words of George Gilbey have been revealed after he fell 80ft to his death in a horror incident. Tragically the Channel 4 Gogglebox star died in the early hours of March 27 following a workplace incident in Essex.

A man has since been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with George's death.

The 40-year-old had been working as an electrician in the week leading up to his death and reportedly fell 80ft through a skylight onto concrete at a building site in Essex.

His last words have been revealed by a friend who told how George was on the roof of an Essex warehouse when the fatal incident took place.

13:55Ewan Mowat

Cops share CCTV of man hunted over failed robbery in Glasgow

Police have released the CCTV image of a man hunted in connection with an attempted robbery that took place in Glasgow.

Cops believe the man pictured may be able to assist with the probe into the failed theft that occured at around 5pm on Tuesday, January 23, on Garrioch Road in Maryhill.

The man is described as white, slim build, and aged around 50 years old. He was wearing a black jacket, black trousers and white Nike Air Max 95s.

13:15Key Event

Man charged after 'ram raid rampage with stolen lorry' left Scots shops wrecked

A man has been arrested and charged after allegedly using a stolen lorry to ram-raid two shops in Arbroath. A police probe was launched into the alleged attempted break-in, which saw the entrance to the Mayfield Foodstore completely destroyed.

Pictures from the scene on Mayfield Terrace show the front of the shop caved after allegedly being struck by a vehicle. A second nearby business was also allegedly targeted in the early hours of Friday, March 22.

A 30-year-old man has since been charged in connection and was due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court on Monday. He has also been charged in connection with separate incidents in the town on Friday, March 15.

The lorry, which belonged to David Hall who owns the Ulearn LGV training Centre, has since been recovered but is said to be a write-off. He previously told the Record that he would have to cancel £5,000 worth of booked work due to the vehicle being unusable.

12:29Ewan Mowat

Teenager killed two pals in 'worst crash ever seen' by police

A teenager killed his two friends in what has been described by police as the "worst crash they'd ever seen". Owain Hammett-George, now 19, has been jailed after he crashed an Alfa Romeo into a petrol station in Bishopston, Wales, in May 2022.

Passengers Kaitlyn Davies and Ben Rogers, both 19, died at the scene while a third passenger, Casey Thomas, then aged 17, sustained serious injuries.

Hammett-George, who was 17 at the time of the crash, had previously pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him. However, he changed his plea last month and admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

At a sentencing hearing held at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday a packed court was told how Hammett-George was driving at more than twice the speed limit of 30mph leading up to the petrol station.

12:03Ewan Mowat

Door-cam footage shows man running for his life while being shot at

Ring doorbell footage shows the terrifying moment a man was shot at while running down a street. Police were called to New Chester Road in the Rock Ferry area of the Wirral after reports of gunshots being fired on the main road.

Officers got a call at 10.30pm, although the shooting is believed to have occurred around 25 minutes earlier. A video from a Ring doorbell has been shared widely on social media.

In the footage, a man can be seen running for his life while another person appears to fire shots at him. A man can be heard shouting in the clip, but it is unclear what is being said.

A second man, thought to be the shooter, then appears in screen, chasing after the first man. Three gunshots can then be heard as a third man comes into shot.

11:36Key Event

Death probe set for Scots killer who died behind bars after stabbing ex-bodybuilder

A custody death probe has been set for a Scots killer who went on the run after fatally stabbing an ex-bodybuilder. Marius Bauba was serving an almost 10-year sentence at HMP Shotts, North Lanarkshire, when he was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital in July 2021.

The 28-year-old killer died a short time later with police saying there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A Fatal Accident Inquiry hearing will now take place on April 9 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Bauba, who stabbed Morgan Dunn in the heart after a row at a house in Ayr, was eventually locked up after boasting cops wouldn’t catch him.

The dad-of-one had dodged their attempts by dyeing his hair and checking into hotels in Dumfries, Gretna and Carlisle while using false names. Officers eventually tracked him down 11 days after the brutal killing, which took place on February 8, 2020.

11:12Ewan Mowat

Mum who hurled weedkiller in eyes of police officer dodges prison with restricted curfew

A mum who blinded a police officer by hurling weedkiller in her eyes has been placed on a curfew for 15 weeks. But Levi Dixon had the nightly curfew period restricted after telling a court she needed time to walk her three dogs in the evening.

Solicitor David Holmes said: "Unusually, the social work report invites the court to consider a 30 minute to allow her to take her three dogs out each night." Instead, Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC pushed the normal 7pm start time back to 9pm each night after noting the dog walking was positive for Dixon.

She said: "This was a horrible attack on a serving police officer by spraying weedkiller in her eyes. You are lucky it did not cause permanent injury or even loss of sight."

Dixon, 33, was given a chance to stay out of prison after a court was told she struggled to deal with authority figures. Perth Sheriff Court was told that Dixon - who previously threatened to firebomb the family home of her brother's killer - has "oppositional defiance disorder".

10:40Ewan Mowat

Smirking Stephen Bear arrives in court to find out how much he owes Georgia Harrison

Smirking Stephen Bear gave a thumbs up as he faced Georgia Harrison in court. Georgia arrived at Chelmsford Crown Court for a confiscation hearing to determine how much Bear must repay from his profits made from an explicit video he posted to subscription site OnlyFans.

Disgraced reality TV star Bear, 34, was jailed last year for voyeurism and for sharing private sexual photos and videos to cause distress. He was freed from prison in January after serving nearly 11 months behind bars.

Bear arrived at court today wearing a pink shirt, crucifix and backless fur-lined loafers. A court heard earlier this month that Bear had made over £22,000 from a CCTV video of him and Love Island star Georgia having sex in the garden of his property.

At the time, he claimed to be a billionaire on social media, but police said he was actually heavily in debt. The court heard that the man's main asset was his house, worth £60,000.

10:15Key Event

Scots dad turned up at boy's house with knife and threatened to 'rip his face off'

A dad has been jailed for threatening to "rip the face off" a 12-year-old boy after a fight at a school. Dale Martin turned up at the youngster's home wielding a knife, a court heard.

Later he confronted the boy at a train station and tried to punch him. Martin's conduct was branded "deplorable" by a sheriff who jailed him for 18 months.

The 36-year-old admitted threatening or abusive behaviour at the family's Hamilton home on June 4 and 5 last year. He also admitted threatening and assaulting the boy at Hamilton Central train station 18 days later.

09:49Ewan Mowat

Crooked letting agent stole £40k from bosses and splashed cash on Benidorm holiday

A former Royal Navy sailor who stole over £40,000 and splashed a company credit card during a beach holiday in Spain has been jailed for 15 months.

Crooked letting agent Amber-Louise Milne spent years stealing money from her boss and left the company with a massive unexpected overdraft. Milne, who left the navy in disgrace, was eventually caught out when she took the company credit card to use it to fund her holiday in Benidorm.

Milne, of Glasgow, admitted on Thursday that on various occasions between October 2017 and June 2019 she embezzled £43,830 from BS Properties Ltd and FMC (Scotland) Ltd.

She originally faced a charge of embezzling £86,273 from the year she started with the company but the Crown accepted her guilty plea to the lesser amount of £43,830.

09:24Ewan Mowat

Scots told to use mobile to call 999 in emergencies after landline outage

Glaswegians in life-threatening situations have been urged to use their mobile phones to call 999 - after the landline telephone network crashed.

Users in the west of the city were left unable to contact the emergency services overnight due to an as yet unspecified problem with the analogue telephone system which covers the UK.

It is unclear how many people in need were left unable to contact Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service due to the outage.

The alarm over the faulty system was raised on the Police Scotland Greater Glasgow Facebook page.

08:58Key Event

Aberfeldy murder victim Brian Low died from gunshot wounds to neck and chest

A man whose death was at first ruled not suspicious by police died from horror shotgun wounds to his neck and chest, it has emerged.

Brian Low, 65, was gunned down near his home in Aberfeldy in a horror incident which officers initially did not treat as murder. It prompted an internal probe by police watchdogs - and now Low's death certificate has revealed he suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.

Official paperwork has been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council stating the cause of death. The tragic details emerged after Low's body was discovered on a remote track in Pitillie on the outskirts of the Perthsire town on Saturday, February 17.

The death was initially deemed to have been medical-related and not suspicious, but police confirmed four days later he had been fatally shot. A subsequent post-mortem on Friday, February 23, sparked a murder probe.

Police Scotland Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall faced questions over why a post mortem examination took six days and how a gunshot wound was initially missed.

16:02Ewan Mowat

Prison inmates 'fighting for lives' after 'poisoning' behind bars

Two prisoners have been rushed to hospital amid reports of a mass poisoning of inmates at a jail in East Sussex. It is understood between 10-15 lags at HMP Lewes have been poisoned, two of which are said to be fighting for their life.

The South East Ambulance Service said paramedics had responded to an incident at the prison at midday. A spokesperson said it was an ongoing incident.

A decontamination tent was seen outside Eastbourne hospital, about 16 miles away, and that signs outside said it was closed due to a "major incident." An incident support unit CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) ambulance was also seen outside HMP Lewes.

HMP Lewes holds 692 prisoners in a mix of single and double cells. Inspectors were damning about conditions at HMP Lewes in a February 2023 report, and were alarmed by the number of violent incidents.

15:13Key Event

Man arrested in connection with Googlebox star George Gilbey's death

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey, Essex Police have said.

The reality TV star, who appeared on the Channel 4 show and Celebrity Big Brother, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning at his workplace. Cops earlier confirmed they were called to reports of a man being hurt after falling from height in Shoebury.

The force launched a joint probe with the Health and Safety Executive. They have now confirmed a man has been arrested.

13:33Ewan Mowat

Armed cops swoop on housing estate in series of raids as school 'locked down'

Armed police have swooped on a housing estate in a series of raids as part of an "ongoing operation". Several vans and firearms cops have been pictured at the scene in Portrack, County Durham, this morning.

The nearby Tilery Primary School has also issued an alert to parents, stating: "Due to an ongoing police incident on the Portrack estate, if your child is coming to school, can you please take them to the main hall."

One witness said that armed police were "everywhere" in the area and the school was on "full lockdown". Images and video taken close to the scene showed officers entering a single residence in the area.

13:00Ewan Mowat

Death of Glasgow sex beast in in prison to be probed in court

The death of a serial Scots sex beast who tried to lure a girl into a paedophile ring is set to be probed in court. Alistair Findlay was jailed for life after preying on five vulnerable youngsters at a residential home in Glasgow in the 1970s and 80s.

The 62-year-old was ordered to serve a minimum of four-a-half-years behind bars as part of the lifelong restriction order handed down at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was just two years into the term when he died at HMP Barlinnie in February 2021. The circumstances of his death are now set to be examined during a Fatal Accident Inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court on May 10.

12:30Key Event

Drunk Scots footballer who killed Rangers fan dad in horror crash jailed

A drunk junior footballer who killed a Rangers fan dad in a horror crash has been jailed for four years. Craig Forbes, 23, struck David Horn's vehicle on the A78 in Inverclyde on October 15, 2022.

Largs Thistle player Forbes - who had earlier attended a wedding - was over twice the limit when he overtook another vehicle when it was unsafe moments before the collision. Both Forbes and Mr Horn's vehicles rotated after the point of impact with the 59-year-old victim becoming trapped inside.

Tragically, Mr Horn died from his serious injuries in hospital. Tributes were paid to him at his beloved Ibrox Stadium as fans held an applause in the 59th minute at a Rangers Vs Livingston match.

Largs Thistle backed their player after the guilty plea. The Ayrshire side said they “believe in positive rehabilitation” and “support Craig in his ongoing progress as he learns to deal with the devastation he has caused”.

12:00Ewan Mowat

CCTV of man hunted after robbery at Edinburgh graveyeard

A CCTV image has been released of a man being hunted following a robbery in an Edinburgh graveyard. The incident took place on Friday, February 17, at around 5:50pm at St Cuthbert’s graveyard near to King Stables Road in the capital.

Cops wish to speak to the man pictured to assist them in their ongoing probe into the robbery and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.

The man is described as white, aged between 35 - 40, approximately 5ft9in tall, with a stocky build and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark green or black woolly hat with a thick grey jacket with pockets on the front.

11:31Ewan Mowat

Edinburgh Academy abuse survivors 'get justice as law catches up with sadistic and violent monster'

An Edinburgh Academy abuse survivor has given a powerful statement on behalf of all little boys attacked by evil predator John Brownlee, saying it gives a strong signal "the law will one day catch up with anyone who abuses children".

The former teacher was found to have carried out a shocking series of attacks on pupils over a 20 year period, following a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday. Brownlee, now aged 89, regularly assaulted children with various implements including a wooden bat called a Clacken, a snooker cue and a golf club while he taught at the exclusive private school between 1967 and 1991.

He also choked several young boys and ordered them to sit in freezing cold baths and punished them by making them dig in a garden without the proper clothing in cold weather. Speaking outside court on Wednesday, brave abuse survivor Graeme Sneddon teared up as he branded Brownlee "a sadistic and violent monster who took great joy" in beating schoolboys.

Read Mr Sneddon's full statement here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/edinburgh-academy-abuse-survivors-justice-32455936

11:07Key Event

Man threatened cops with blade after police car 'crash' as woman arrested

A manhunt has been launched after a passenger fled following an alleged crash with a police car and threatened officers with a blade. Armed cops swooped on the scene, near an Asda supermarket in Blantyre, around 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Officers on a routine patrol attempted to stop the vehicle, which allegedly crash into the cop car, damaging both vehicles. A man got out, threatened officers with a blade, then fled the scene.

A 34-year-old woman was arrested and charged in connection with alleged disorder and road traffic offences following the alleged collision. The force are still trying to track down the male passenger.

10:35Ewan Mowat

Scot fears motorbike thieves 'staked out' mum's garage after broad daylight theft

A man fears motorbike thieves "targeted" his mum's garage after the vehicle was stolen in broad daylight.

Mark Cormack says the crooks must have “known what they were doing” in order to find the bike, which was locked up at the property in Musselburgh, East Lothian.

The 34-year-old told how the theft was only uncovered after his stepdad spotted a set of ladders that the raiders had shifted out of the way.

Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating the theft, which took place on Monday, March 25.

10:12Key Event

Scots couple bitten while trying to save pet puppy being mauled by three 'out of control' dogs

An Airdrie couple were bitten by "out of control" dogs after they mauled their pet pooch in an unprovoked attack. Owner Olivia Brooks and her partner, Marc Gray, were walking their two-year-old Goldendoodle, Bailey, when three "unattended" dogs launched themselves at the pup.

The dogs gripped onto Bailey's legs as Olivia quickly chapped on their owner's door. During their attempts to release their beloved pet, Olivia and Marc were bitten by one of the dogs and later required tetanus jags and antibiotics.

Bailey was rushed to the vets where he was sedated and stitched up, costing the couple £500. Olivia is now hitting out at North Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland for the "lack of action" they took following the attack

Police Scotland confirmed they were contacted regarding the dog-on-dog attack and referred the matter to the dog warden at North Lanarkshire Council. The authority told Olivia that an animal welfare officer has been "unsuccessful" in attempts to speak with the owner.

09:13Ewan Mowat

Hackers threaten to publish data of Scots NHS patients after cyber attack

A hacker group is in possession of at least a "small number" of patients' data following a cyber attack, NHS Dumfries and Galloway has said.

Reports emerged on Wednesday of a post by the group INC Ransom on its dark web blog, alleging it has three terabytes of data from NHS Scotland. The post included a "proof pack" of some of the data, which has been confirmed by the board to be genuine.

In a statement posted to the health board's website, its chief executive Jeff Ace said: "We absolutely deplore the release of confidential patient data as part of this criminal act. This information has been released by hackers to evidence that this is in their possession."

Patients whose data has been leaked will be contacted by the board, he said, while patient-facing services will continue as normal.

08:42Key Event

Edinburgh Academy teacher assaulted pupils with bat and golf clubs in 20-year abuse campaign

A former teacher at an exclusive private school has been found to have carried out a shocking series of attacks on pupils over a 20 year period.

John Brownlee regularly assaulted children with various implements including a wooden bat called a Clacken, a snooker cue and a golf club while he taught at the capital's Edinburgh Academy.

Brownlee, now aged 89, also choked several young boys and ordered them to sit in freezing cold baths and punished them by making them dig in a garden without the proper clothing in cold weather, all between 1967 and 1987.

Brownlee was deemed unfit to stand trial due to ill health and an examination of facts hearing has been held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court over the past two weeks. On Wednesday fiscal depute Graeme Clark made his closing the speech to the hearing where he said Brownlee had carried out "unacceptable", "unjustified" and "excessive" force when chastising his pupils.

In his judgement, Sheriff Ian Anderson said he found all the Crown witnesses bar one to be "credible and reliable" and found the facts proven on 32 charges including 30 of assault.

16:05Key Event

Scots drugs kingpin who ran coke operation is jailed after being caught in EncroChat sting

A drugs dealer has been jailed after being caught out during a crackdown on an encrypted communication network favoured by underworld criminals. Aaron Bradford used the name 'Elpazzo' during discussions about the supply of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis on the EncroChat platform.

The 35-year-old was found to have sent a picture of cocaine while also discussing a £17,000 drug deal in messages that were later obtained by police. He came to the attention of officers after French agencies recovered a massive haul of data from the secretive communication network.

His home in Dundee was raided by police in June 2020 as part of Operation Venetia - with a haul of drug paraphernalia recovered. It included a blender, digital scales, a hydraulic press as well as a list which showed outstanding debts and deal amounts alongside a list of names.

He has become the first Scot to be banged up as part of the Europe-wide police operation after being jailed for eight years at the High Court in Aberdeen on Wednesday. His crimes were aggravated by a connection to serious organised crime and confiscation proceedings for any ill-gotten gains have commenced.

15:56Ewan Mowat

Woman loses leg in horror workplace accident as baking goods bosses fined £400k

A woman was forced to have her leg amputated after being involved in a horror workplace accident. Sharon Bramwell spent three months in hospital after being struck by a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) due to health and safety failings.

The 58-year-old was working a night shift at Baker & Baker Products, in Bromborough, when the incident took place in April 2022. The company, which makes a wide variety of baked goods, has now been fined £400k after pleading guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

In a statement provided to the court, Sharon said she felt "lucky" it wasn't worse. The court heard how Sharon had been supervising four other members of staff as they completed high-level cleaning tasks during the shift.

She had been acting as "a banksman" for an employee who was controlling an MEWP. As the MEWP turned through 90 degrees into the warehouse it hit Sharon. She was hospitalised for three months and has had a total of nine operations including several skin grafts.

15:23Ewan Mowat

Puppies seized during raid in Ayrshire amid police probe into 'low-welfare trade'

A batch of puppies destined for the unlicensed trade have been seized during a raid in Ayrshire by Police Scotland and the Scottish SPCA.

The puppies were rescued from the Stewarton area on Tuesday. Many of the puppies had "health concerns" and will now receive treatment at one of the SSPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres.

A spokesperson from Scottish SPCA said the young dogs would have been sold as part of an "unlicensed, low welfare puppy trade" but they are now "safe and receiving veterinary care".

Police Scotland confirmed their probe into the incident is ongoing.

14:57Key Event

'Cannabis farm' worth £3.2mil busted in Borders town

Five men have been arrested after Police Scotland busted an alleged cannabis farm worth an estimated £3.2m.

Officers forced entry to two properties on Channel Street in Galashiels as part of an "intelligence-based" operation in the Borders on Tuesday morning.

Detectives allege a “significant” amount of the Class B drug was recovered from both addresses with further enquiries ongoing.

The five men - aged between 26 and 53 - are expected to appear at court today.

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