A 21-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of Lewis McCartney in Edinburgh.
The 18-year-old was found with serious injuries on Viewcraig Street around 3.45am on Sunday, 12 February, 2023. Lewis was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.
Bailey Dowling was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Thursday, 17 April, 2025). He will be sentenced at a later date.
ILLEGAL USE OF OFF-ROAD BIKES TARGETED
On Tuesday (15 April), police officers carried out a day of action targeting the illegal use of off-road and electric bikes in Edinburgh.
Uniformed and officers in plain clothes, road policing officers and specialist support officers, carried out patrols in the Sighthill and Niddrie Mains areas.
One male rider aged 14 was charged in connection with road traffic offences and his off-road motorbike seized in Calder Drive. A suspected stolen motorbike was also recovered in the same street.
An electric bike was seized in Niddrie Mains Road with further enquiries to be carried out.
Three youths aged 15 were traced in relation to a fire-raising and vandalism in a playing field at a high school. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident.
As a result of enquiries carried out during the day of action, a car stolen from Kirkcaldy in September, 2024, was recovered in the Park Terrace area of Musselburgh.
Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of the Community Investigation Unit, said: “We regularly receive complaints from our local communities about anti-social behaviour and the illegal use of vehicles.
“We will continue to use all tools available to us to enforce road traffic laws, keep the public safe and deter those intent on causing damage or annoyance through the use of bikes.
“I would ask anyone who uses an off-road motorbike to use it safely and within the law.”
Anyone with concerns or information regarding this type of anti-social behaviour should contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.
Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.
In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.
But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.
In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500.
On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.
He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said: “Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.
“These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to.
“We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.”
In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service.
The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process.
Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.
The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.
We are saddened to report that, overnight between April 10th and April 11th 2025, Glasgow South West Foodbank’s Cardonald Foodbank Centre was broken into, burgled and vandalised.
The premises that we operate our Cardonald Foodbank Centre from, Hillington Park Parish Church, was broken into. Our storage area was burgled and vandalised, leading to the loss of thousands of pounds worth of stock and materials. This is the busiest of the five Foodbank Centres we operate.
Glasgow South West Foodbank is a small, independent, local charity. We already have an Urgent Appeal running to try and raise desperately needed funds to allow us to continue operating in the current challenging climate.
We have seen an increase in people needing our support, while food costs have increased and donations have fallen, so this incident has happened at a particularly unfortunate time for us.
Development Manager, Claire McCunnie, says: “Thankfully, no one was here when the break in occurred, and no one was hurt. But clearing up all the mess left behind was very upsetting as, of course, was the loss of stock. It’s honestly devastating.
“We are a small team who work extremely hard helping people in our community who are unable to afford the essentials we all need to get by, like food, bills and toiletries. To experience a break-in like this is heartbreaking, not just for our team, but for the people we support.
“We would be extremely grateful for any donations the community can give during this difficult time. You can donate money online to Glasgow South West food bank or food at our warehouse or drop off points in local supermarkets.”
Our team was able to open the food bank as planned on Friday despite this distressing situation, and we are determined to keep the food bank at Cardonald open for the foreseeable future.
Since opening in December 2013, we have provided over three quarters of a million meals to Glaswegians who have been unable to put food on the table. Alongside emergency food parcels, we offer a warm welcome, listening ear, and advice and support through our partner agencies.
The incident has been reported to Police Scotland and anyone with any further information can contact them to assist with their inquiries.
Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging churches to take steps to prevent being a victim of theft as they welcome visitors over the Easter period.
With Easter considered the most important date in the Christian calendar, churches up and down the country will be hosting services and events., bringing together congregations and the wider community.
However, with the extra footfall, there is concern about opportunistic thieves potentially stealing cash and priceless items in the process.
Churches have long been targeted by thieves, often for lead and copper from church roofs, and earlier this year Ecclesiastical revealed more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in 2024.
In February St Andrews Church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire had paintings removed by thieves, while police are looking for a man caught on CCTV stealing from St Gregory’s Church in Northampton in late March.
As a leading insurer of churches, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is urging churches to take steps to protect themselves to avoid being a victim during this important time of year.
Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Theft from church buildings can have a heartbreaking impact, both on the volunteers and congregation who worship at the church – even more so during such an important time for Christians and the church.
“Sadly we’re seeing more incidents where churches are being targeted, with items such as silver, cash, statues, artwork, furniture and even paving stones being stolen. Thankfully there are steps churches can take to help protect themselves, including storing valuables in a high-quality modern safe in a secure area of the church when they’re not in use, or storing items off-site where suitable alternative security arrangements can be made and with the approval of church insurers.
“We want churches to be open to welcome their communities, congregations and potential visitors – especially during Easter – but we must all be aware of the risks. It is critically important that churches follow our risk management advice to protect themselves. Our team of experts is on hand to support customers and can be contacted on 0345 777 3322.”
Ecclesiastical’s risk management team has developed guidance as part of its call to review existing security arrangements and help churches protect themselves from potential break ins. The advice includes:
For any church customers concerned about potential theft, Ecclesiastical’s risk advice line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0345 600 7531 or they can e-mail risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com.
Detectives investigating a series of wilful fire-raisings in Glasgow and the West have visited more than 100 properties as part of extensive door-to-door enquiries and seized almost 700 hours of CCTV footage.
Intelligence is also being gathered, with one stolen vehicle been recovered so far.
A dedicated team of officers are being supported by specialist resources as enquiries continue.
One week on from the first incident, officers are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Cortmalaw Gardens, Glasgow on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.
Extensive enquiries are also ongoing into wilful fire-raisings at four other properties across the city.
• Premises in Milton Road, Kirkintilloch on Friday, 4 April, 2025
• Properties in Gala Street and Ashgill Road, Glasgow on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Property in Meadow Court, Stepps, on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Premises in Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025
A team of detectives are investigating these incidents and a number of reports of discharges of firearms and fire-raising in the East of the country, which are all being treated as potentially linked at this time.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.
“While we believe these to be targeted attacks, the consequences could have been far more serious and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, from the areas where these incidents have taken place.
“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
A number of arrests have been made in the East and a number of warrants have been executed in the city.
On Thursday, 10 April, 2025, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth were arrested in connection with wilful fire-raisings in Edinburgh.
The 18-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024, a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 11 April, 2025.
The 17-year-old male youth has been released pending further enquiries.
A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, have been seized, along with drugs and cash during the execution of warrants in the past few weeks.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ferry added: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the East and arrests will continue across the country over the coming weeks.
“I want to reassure the communities in the East and West of Scotland that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our continued action in recent weeks demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.
“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.
“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in relation to two wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh.
The incidents which took place on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and Sunday, 16 March, 2025 in Albert Street and Milton Road East, respectively, are linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fireraising incidents in the city.
The man has been arrested for wilful fireraising and reset of a stolen vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “I want to reassure the community that we are continuing to work on this investigation and this is just one of many arrests over the coming weeks.
“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.
Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.
There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.
“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.
“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.
“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”
A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.
Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.
“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?
“If you have any information at all, please contact us.
“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.
“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”
Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.
On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.
A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.
Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.
Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April). The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.
So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.
“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
The East Retail Crime Task Force has launched following increased offending against retailers.
Two women (both 42) arrested in separate incidents will appear in court facing 25 charges including theft, police assault, breach of bail and offences against retail workers.
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced in connection with sexual offences which happened in Edinburgh.
Noor Khan Yousafzai carried out the offences in December 2024 near the Water of Leith walkway in the city.
He has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Thursday, 27 March, 2025.
Detective Sergeant Jordan Kerr said: “Yousafzai caused fear and alarm to members of the public by exposing himself and sexually assaulting a woman.
“We would like to thank the public who came forward and reported these incidents to us, which has resulted in him being brought to justice.”
