A MAN has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the rape of a woman in Edinburgh.
Kabiru Jack Buraimoh was found guilty of the offence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (4 November, 2026) following a trial.
The incident happened at an address in the north of the city on 12 May 2024.
Buraimoh entered the victim’s home with a spare key and attacked the woman in her bed. He was arrested later the same day and charged following a police investigation.
Buraimoh was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Sergeant Louise Forsyth said: “Buraimoh carried out a horrific attack on the victim who has understandably been left traumatised by the event.
“I’d like to thank her for her support as we conducted our investigation.
“Violence against women and girls is a national emergency and one which we are working with partners to address.
“We’d encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual crime to come forward and report instances to us. Support is available and perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.
The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.
Under the terms of reference, published yesterday, the inquiry will:
investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.
Ms McAllan said: “Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.
“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.
“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.
“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”
Professor Alexis Jay said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”
Campaign to deter knife crime in London knife crime hotspots to appear over billboards, digital advertising, and social media across Westminster and Croydon
Criminals in two London hotspots are being warned of a step-up in police action in a new Home Office knife crime campaign launching today.
The ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign will be piloted in parts of Westminster and Croydon, with adverts appearing at tube stations, bus stops and on social media – as well as a mural at Boxpark Croydon.
They will raise awareness of increased police activity, including, smarter metal detection, rapid response e-bikes, extra foot patrols and live facial recognition. The campaign is also being piloted in Birmingham city centre.
Developed by the Home Office with police and local authorities, the campaign targets those most at risk of committing knife crime.
These areas, along with 16 other boroughs in Greater London, have received over £8.1 million of funding through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to roll out targeted interventions to tackle knife crime. As well as the enforcement measures featured in the campaign adverts, it also covers prevention approaches such as youth outreach and visible local safety patrols in busy night-time economy areas.
Recent figures show knife crime has fallen 11% since the General Election, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 25% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 18%. In London, knife crime has fallen by 14% over the same period, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 34% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 19%.
Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: “Everyone in Westminster and Croydon deserves to feel safe on their streets. We know that hearing of knife crime incidents happening in your city can have the opposite effect and we want to stop that.
“We’re working with police to target knife crime where it causes the greatest harm, using intelligence and cutting-edge technology to make our communities safer.
‘No Place for Knives’ sends a clear message: action is being taken and we will not accept people putting young lives and our communities at risk.”
The campaign forms part of the Government’s wider mission to halve knife crime in a decade, combining tougher enforcement with prevention and early intervention to protect young people and make communities safer.
Commander Pete Stevens of the Metropolitan Police said: “We know the devastating impact knife crime has – not just on families who have lost loved ones but on entire communities. Our officers work tirelessly to combat this senseless violence, proactively directing our resources towards the people who pose the most risk.
“These tactics are working. In the last financial year knife-enabled crime fell by 14.9 per cent across London and over the last five years the number of people hospitalised after being attacked with a sharp weapon has fallen by 29 per cent.
“We will continue to target violent criminals who threaten our communities. Every knife removed and every suspect arrested has the potential to prevent serious harm or save a life.”
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We know that knife crime can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.
I”f someone has information about knife carrying violence but is worried about being identified, our charity provides a way to speak up completely anonymously.
“By sharing information, communities can help prevent harm, protect young people and contribute to safer neighbourhoods.”
Patrick Green, CEO of Hackney-based Ben Kinsella Trust said: “Every young person deserves to feel safe without feeling the need to carry a knife. We therefore welcome the Home Office’s ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign and its contribution to the wider effort to reduce knife crime and protect young lives.
“A particular strength of ‘No Place for Knives’ is that it has drawn on young people’s input during its development. Young people understand better than anyone the pressures, anxieties and misconceptions that can lead to knife carrying.
“By listening to young people and reflecting their experiences in the campaign, the Home Office has created a stronger and more authentic platform for encouraging safer choices and preventing violence.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh Northwestern, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has welcomed targeted action by Police in North West Edinburgh this week.
Cole-Hamilton thanked officers who successfully seized three Sur-Ron bikes as part of a ‘day of action’, as well as weapons, two motorcycles and mobile phones.
Police Officers carried out a day of action in the North West of Edinburgh, executing 2 warrants as part of ongoing enquiries into motor vehicle thefts and serious assaults.
During their execution, officers seized:
– 3 Sur-Ron bikes
– 2 Motorcycles
– Weapons
– Mobile Phones
– Various vehicle keys and V5 documentation
Two individuals were traced, arrested and charged in connection with the enquiries.
Further inquiries are ongoing into the items seized.
A third individual was also traced during the enquiries and arrested on his 11 outstanding warrants.
The action comes as a petition lodged to the Scottish Parliament by Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond, Lewis Younie, calling on the Scottish Government to give Police Scotland and local councils additional resources to tackle dangerous, high-powered motorbikes and electric bikes on local footpath networks.
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:“People in Edinburgh are lucky to have an extensive and growing network of cycle paths connecting our communities but navigating them has become intimidating and dangerous due to high-speed, illegally modified e-bikes frequently appearing on our routes.
“We have all seen the dangers these e-bikes cause, including, in some tragic cases, fatalities and serious injuries that impact numerous lives.
“Bikes capable of excessive speeds without pedalling are not permitted on public footpaths under current law, but without adequate resources, enforcement has been an uphill battle.
“To give residents permanent confidence on their local paths, the Scottish Government must back our police forces with dedicated resources to crack down on illegal sellers, intercept dangerous riders, and keep our public spaces safe for everyone.
“I warmly welcome Police Scotland’s targeted action in Edinburgh Northwestern this week and thank local officers for their hard work.”
Crimestoppers and Fearless Scotland launch annual ‘Speak Up Stay Safe’ campaign
Independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth programme Fearless Scotland are today launching their annual Bonfire Night safety campaign, urging people to speak up 100% anonymously if they know about planned attacks on emergency crews or deliberate fire-raising in their communities.
The campaigns – supported by the Scottish Government – also highlights the law around fireworks misuse, Firework Protection Zones, and, crucially, encourages people to speak up 100% anonymously about fire-raising.
Last year’s Crimestoppers’ campaign generated a wealth of information given anonymously to the charity which helped prevent at least three extremely serious, potentially life-threatening attacks on emergency crews in Scotland.
In particular, the annual campaign is asking for information on:
– Who and where organised attacks are being planned
– Where fireworks and weapons are being stored/stock-piled
– Who is responsible for deliberate fire-raising
Crimestoppers’ campaign aims to encourage reporting from the public about any planned attacks and additionally help gather information after bonfire night about who was responsible.
Communities who experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and to encourage anonymous reporting about about who is responsible.
Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers in Scotland, said:“Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe, no more so than Scotland’s emergency services who risk their lives to keep us safe.
“Information from last year prevented a serious attack on our emergency services. That’s why we are asking anyone with information on those planning attacks to get in touch with our charity 100% anonymously.
“No-one will ever know you contacted us, and your information could be preventing serious injury or harm or even loss of life for emergency workers.”
Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and I would urge anyone planning to use fireworks to do so responsibly.
“The emergency services play a vital role in keeping us all safe and any assaults on them will not be tolerated. Measures brought in in 2022 mean attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are now aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.
“Other steps we have taken to improve firework safety include bringing in a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s.
“If you have information about any activity that might put emergency workers or communities at risk as Bonfire Night approaches, please get in touch with Crimestoppers by phone or on their website. You can do this anonymously and you could be helping to keep our 999 crews and your neighbours safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “While most people enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, there are those who seek to target police officers and other emergency service workers with fireworks and other projectiles, putting them at serious risk of harm while they attempt to keep communities safe.
“We saw a number of these incidents occur last year, resulting in over 60 officers being injured and this is entirely unacceptable.
“If you are found to be involved in an offence that puts police officers, other emergency service workers, or the general public at risk of harm you will be brought to justice, either on the night or during our follow-up inquiries.
“I would encourage anyone who has information about planned Bonfire Night criminality to report, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to contact us directly via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Watt said: “Last year, our crews came under attack on nine occasions within an eight-hour period. Our staff work tirelessly over the Bonfire period to keep people safe, and do not deserve to be attacked for doing their job.
They should be able to carry out their role without being hurt or having appliances and equipment damaged by reckless anti-social behaviour.
“These actions are also an unnecessary drain on emergency service resources. We want to bring any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion – please respect our staff and all emergency services.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson said:“We know this time of year is about fun and celebration, but let’s not forget that those on the frontline, our ambulance crews should never have to worry about their own safety while they care for others.
“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing cases of our staff facing physical assaults and verbal abuse, often driven by too much drinking. These are dedicated professionals who deserve respect, not hostility. So, have a great night, enjoy the festivities, but please, treat our staff and emergency service partners with respect.”
Yesterday, Edinburgh City Centre Policing Unit worked alongside Home Office Immigration Officers to tackle the illegal use of electric bikes.
The operation resulted in 7 illegal e-bikes seized riders charged with 20 offences. Two immigration matters were also identified and are being dealt with separately by the Home Office.
We’ll continue working with partners to improve road safety, tackle offending and keep our communities safe.
A man has been jailed for 12 years for a series of non-recent sexual and violent offences in Edinburgh.
Ian Whyte, 62, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today – Wednesday, 21 October, 2026.
He has also been placed on the sex offenders register.
He had previously been found guilty of the offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and assault, at the same court on Wednesday, 2 September.
The offences were committed between December 1978 and May 1998, against victims aged from an infant to 15-years-old.
Following an extensive investigation, he was arrested and charged by officers.
Detective Inspector Steph Garnett said: “This was a complex investigation and our thoughts are with the victims. I hope the sentence helps them to come to terms with the abuse they suffered.
“Whyte will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.
“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously. Regardless of the passage of time, we will investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse.
“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in prison for violent offences against women in Edinburgh, including endangering life.
Charlie Swain appeared at Edinburgh High Court today -Friday, 9 October, 2026 – having been convicted at the same court in August.
Detective Sergeant Euan Stobie said: “Swain is a dangerous individual who subjected women to horrific, violent attacks, which has understandably had a profound impact on them.
“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by those involved throughout the investigation and court process, and I hope this sentence brings them some form of closure.
“Police Scotland remains absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls and is determined to bring those responsible to justice. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
“We will thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
