Tag: Crime

Operation Branchform: Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement

Former SNP chief Executive Peter Murrell has appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.

Operation Branchform is a Police Scotland investigation into possible fundraising fraud in the Scottish National Party. The investigation was launched in July 2021.

POLICE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:

‘Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal enquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded.

‘The 73 year-old man arrested on 18 April, 2023, and the 54 year-old woman arrested on 11 June, 2023, have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.’

The two individuals are believed to be former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie and former SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, both of whom were questioned by police during Branchform investigations.

Telfer Subway incident: Police release CCTV image

POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into a robbery at Telfer Subway, Edinburgh which occurred around 5.30pm on Friday, 14 February, 2025.

The man is white, aged between 18 and 26 years old, with a medium build and wearing a navy-blue tracksuit.

If anyone can identify the man then please do get in touch.

White man wearing a blue hooded jacket. He is wearing a black scarf, concealing the lower half of his face.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2667 of 14 February. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Man convicted of Leith Street murder

A 25-year-old man has been convicted of murder and an attempted murder in Edinburgh in 2023.

On Friday, 2 June 2023, police were called to attend a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row. Peter Mullen, aged 30, was found with serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.

Officers subsequently arrested and charged Dylan Curran in connection with the death, and on Friday (14 March, 2025), he was convicted of murder following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Dylan Curran

Curran was also convicted of the attempted murder of a 43-year-old man during the same incident. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family and friends as they come to terms with what happened to him. I hope this verdict will bring some sense of justice for them.

“Dylan Curran will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions.

“Thankfully violent crimes like these in public places are rare in our communities. When such incidents take place, we will use all resources necessary to carry out thorough, rigorous inquiries to ensure we track down those responsible to bring them to justice.

“I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Man jailed following conviction for possession of indecent images of children

A man has been jailed for two years at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday, 10 March, 2025), after pleading guilty to possession of indecent images of children.

Brandon Miller (22) was arrested following a search of his home on 20 September, 2024. Electronic equipment was seized and analysed with indecent images of children recovered, which led to his arrest.

On Tuesday, 11 February, 2025, he was convicted of the offences, including sexual assault, the possession, taking and distributing of indecent images of children and inciting another person to commit sexual offences against a child.

Detective Inspector Adrian Ure of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Brandon Miller showed utter contempt for the child victims and the horrific sexual abuse they suffered in the images and videos he was taking, viewing and distributing.

“He may have thought the internet provides anonymity and his appalling offending would go undetected. His arrest and sentence show this is not the case and no matter what steps you have taken to avoid detection, you cannot hide behind a computer.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and a priority for Police Scotland. We work with our partners to quickly act against anyone who is involved in these abhorrent crimes. I would urge anyone with any concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact us immediately.”

Heroin ‘Uncut’ at North Edinburgh Arts

🎟️ We’re delighted to open Ticket Pre-Sale for Ordinary Members for Heroin screenings in April – make sure to secure your free tickets before 17 March🎟️

Join us for the first screening in over 40 years of Heroin, a ground-breaking three-part documentary filmed by Peter Carr in North Edinburgh in 1983. Originally broadcast on UK prime-time TV, these films provide an unflinching look at the realities of poverty, crime, and drug use, told by the community itself.

Each screening will be followed by a discussion with key voices, including Irvine Welsh, Dr. Roy Robertson, and Peter Carr himself.

🗓 Wed 23 April – Heroin 1 + Conversation with Irvine Welsh & Zoë Black

🗓 Thu 24 April – Heroin 2 + Conversation with Dr. Roy Robertson & Victoria Burn

🗓 Fri 25 April – Heroin 3 + Conversation with Peter Carr & Sarah Drummond

⏰ 6.30pm – 8.30pm each night

📍 Where: North Edinburgh Arts, MacMillan Hub, 12c MacMillan Square, EH4 4AB

🎟️ TICKET PRE-SALE FOR ORDINARY MEMBERS 🎟️

If you live in the local community (areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton and Drylaw), consider becoming a NEA Ordinary Member before 17 March to access the pre-sale and secure your FREE place!

💡 Membership fee is £3 for three years and offers a range of benefits

🔗 Join now: northedinburgharts.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-member

🎟️ Find out more & book tickets at: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/…/heroin-uncut-the…/ (General bookings open 18 March)

More rights for victims of crime

Notification scheme to be expanded

More crime victims will get access to a range of information about the perpetrator and have a say on decisions about their prison release under newly unveiled justice reforms.

Currently victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender in their case has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, or with the Victim Information Scheme if the sentence was less than 18 months.

Under Scottish Government proposals to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, all victims will be able to register under one programme with the same right rights and same access to information, regardless of the length of the offender’s prison sentence.

A further proposal, if approved by MSPs, would give all victims the right to make representations where an offender is being considered for release on licence – and on the licence conditions they would like to see imposed. Currently this entitlement only applies where an offender was sentenced to four years or more in custody.

Improvements are also proposed to the range of information available through the VNS for victims of offenders in the forensic mental health system who are subject to a compulsion order and restriction order.

The plans build on previously announced proposed reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that will create a new Victim Contact Team to give personalised support based on a victim’s individual needs.

The latest plans are being introduced as proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, the next stage of which begins in the Scottish Parliament next week.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put victims’ rights at the heart of the justice system.

“Victims of crime will be able to sign up to one simplified notification scheme that allows them to receive information about the offenders and, if they wish, to have a say in decisions being made about the offenders, including their release. These changes recognise that a victim’s rights should not hinge on the length of sentence that the perpetrator is serving.

“One system will be easier for victims to navigate and this change will add to a raft of proposed reforms to the VNS, including the creation of a new Victim Contact Team.  We want victims to know their rights to receive information and to be supported to make informed choices on whether they wish to do so. We will continue to work closely with victims’ representatives as we take forward these reforms.”

Stop and Search: Section 60 authorised in city centre and Leith ahead of Sunday’s derby match

POLICE have responded to a number of incidents of football-related disorder and violence in Edinburgh in recent months. As a result, Chief Superintendent David Robertson has authorised the use of powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

This allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.

This power allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.

The Section 60 stop and search power will be in force in various areas, including the city centre and Leith, from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, 2 March,2025.

It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “Over the past few months, we have responded to several incidents of disorder and violence linked to football events in Edinburgh.

“Attacks on police officers, possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, and attempts to evade justice by concealing their identity will not be tolerated. Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety.

“This type of behaviour impacts the local community and the vast majority of football fans who simply want to enjoy these events safely.”

Stay Alert: City centre pickpocket arrested and charged

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged yesterday with five offences in connection with a series of pickpocket-style thefts in Edinburgh city centre on Saturday and Sunday (February 24 – 25).

Following his arrest, officers searched his residence as part of the investigation.

Police are continuing inquiries and urge anyone with information to come forward. Remember to keep your belongings secure and stay alert when out in busy public areas, as pickpocketing can happen quickly.

https://orlo.uk/h3i6X

Police appeal following attempted robbery in Prestonfield

Police Scotland has released an image of a man who may be able to assist their enquiries into an attempted robbery which occurred around 6.25pm on Monday 7 October, 2024. The incident happened in the Prestonfield Avenue area.

The man (pictured) is described as being around 5ft 4inches in height, aged in his early to mid-30s with short dark hair and of a heavy build. He was wearing a black hooded jumper, a black body warmer, dark three-quarter length trousers and black trainers.

Detective Constable Christopher Stewart said: “I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3000 of 7 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

CyberScotland Week: Stay safe online

Today marks the start of CyberScotland Week – take steps to protect yourself from a cybercrime:

Think before you post – Scammers can use your content for criminal purposes.

Deactivate old accounts – Unused profiles can be hacked, so delete them to stay secure.

Check privacy settings – Control who sees your information to protect yourself from scams and fraud.

You can find out further information on how to protect yourself online on Police Scotland’s website:

https://orlo.uk/EquYI

#CantHackIt

#CyberScotlandWeek