Two men have been convicted of the rape and murder of a 24-year-old man in Fife that happened in November 2021.
Dylan Brister, aged 27, and Cameron Allan (pictured below), aged 20, were found guilty yesterday (Friday, 19 July, 2024), following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. They will be sentenced on a later date.
The body of Calum Simpson was found within a property on Herriot Crescent in Methil on 3 November, 2021.
He had been drugged and subjected to a serious sexual assault. Enquiries were carried out and the two men were arrested and charged in connection with the assault and his death.
Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Calum’s family and friends and I hope that the conviction brings them some kind of closure.
“This was a particularly horrific and sickening attack on a young man who died after being drugged and sexually attacked. Both men will now face the consequences of their actions.
“I would like to thank officers who carried out enquiries as this was a complex and harrowing investigation.
“Violence has no place in our communities and Police Scotland is committed to bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice.”
More than £22 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets so far this year.
This follows a number of significant seizures across the country.
In January, officers recovered cannabis valued at £3,600,000 in Greenock and £2,250,000 in Dundee.
Cannabis worth £1,700,000 was recovered in Falkirk in February, and £2,300,000 worth was located in Galashiels in March.
In Glasgow, cocaine worth £1,800,000 was seized in June.
There were also large recoveries in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.
Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “These seizures highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.
“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.
“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.
“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Results like these rely on the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault at TRNSMT festival on Glasgow Green.
The incident happened in front of the ferris wheel around 3.10pm on Saturday, 13 July, 2024.
A 16-year-old male suffered serious injuries and was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.
Officers are working to identify two males as part of the ongoing investigation.
The first male is described as being around 6ft in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with a dark buzz cut hairstyle and a half sleeve tattoo on his right arm. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black bucket hat and Scotland saltire flag wrapped around him.
The second male is described as around 6ft 1in in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing a light-coloured top.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Greenshields of Shettleston CID said: “This incident has left the victim with serious injuries, and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the males responsible.
“Numerous people will have witnessed this incident, and we would urge anyone with any information that could assist with our enquiries to come forward.
“If you think you can help, you can contact police via 101, quoting 2222 of 13 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Schools in Scotland are being warned to take precautions amid fears of a spike in crime over the summer holidays.
As many schools across the country close their doors for the summer holidays, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical says schools will be an attractive target for criminals over the coming months.
Ecclesiastical is encouraging Scotland residents who live near local schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.
Ecclesiastical reports schools have been targeted over the summer months including vandalism, arson, break-ins, smashed windows, theft of lead from roofs and stolen laptops.
Amid the high cost of living and more facing economic hardship, there are worries there will be a rise in criminal activity.
Laura Carter, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Schools are more vulnerable during the summer holidays when school buildings are closed and largely unoccupied, tempting opportunists.
“With the high cost of living and more facing economic hardship, it is more important than ever that schools take steps to protect their premises from offenders. There are a number of measures schools can take to better secure school property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection.
“Fencing around the perimeter can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera. Vigilance from the local community can be a huge help. We urge those who live near schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.”
How to protect schools in Scotland this summer
Ensure CCTV systems have remote 24/7 monitoring services. Monitoring and alerting the police is far more effective than tracing criminals after a crime has taken place.
Install remotely monitored intruder alarms and change alarm security codes and passwords on a regular basis.
Install security lighting systems that have motion sensors to detect body movements.
Restrict access to school premises. Well-designed perimeter security such as walls, fences and electric security gates, and anti-climb paint help to prevent people from getting onto school sites.
Restrict vehicular access to the school site. Locate any designated parking as far from the school building as possible. The further thieves have to travel on foot the greater the risk of detection.
Use security marking systems such as SmartWater which can help with successful prosecution of thieves.
Ask the local community near your school to be vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.
Inform neighbourhood watch schemes / police liaison officers of planned work over the holidays as thieves might pose as contractors.
Seek advice. Specialist insurers can offer advice and expertise to help schools manage security risks. Insurers can offer a combination of onsite and remote risk management services including security assessments and advice, alongside broader property protection and building valuation services.
Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help schools manage the risks they face.
For more information, visit the Ecclesiastical website for education risk guidance here.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).
Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.
Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.
The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.
The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.
“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE have released images of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024 at around 1:45pm on Brunswick Street in Leith.
Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged approximately 17-18-years-old, 5ft 9 tall, slim build, pale skin, local Edinburgh accent and short ginger/brown hair.
He was wearing a black Nike hoody and Nike jogging bottoms.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1808 of 4 June, 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
UPDATE 12.07.24 16:00
A 13-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident took place on Brunswick Street in Leith around 1.45pm on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024.
Consultation published on changing the point of release
Individuals could spend more time under community supervision as part of their prison sentence, a consultation has proposed.
Views are being sought on changing the point of release under licence conditions for people serving a custodial sentence of four years or more, which would provide a more managed return to the community and be a proportionate way to reduce the pressure on the prison estate.
The proposals, if implemented, would not apply to those who are serving an extended sentence for violent or sexual offences.
Currently most people serving long-term sentences, unless previously recommended for parole at an earlier stage – are released under community supervision six months before the end of their sentence. Consultation proposals suggest this could be done for a third of their sentence.
This would return the position to that prior to 1 February 2016 for most long-term prisoners.
Under the proposals, those released would be subject to licence conditions, supervision, and ultimately recall to custody. The individuals would be subject to individualised risk assessment ahead of release, with licence conditions reflecting the conclusions of that assessment and being set on the recommendations of the Parole Board.
Victims would continue to have the right to receive certain information about a prisoner in their case, including their release dates, and to make representations under the Victim Notification Scheme.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Supervision is a commonly used element of custodial sentences – as part of efforts to prepare individuals nearing their return to the community to settle and ultimately to not re-offend.
“Our proposals would bring forward the point at which long-term prisoners are released so individuals spend more time under licence conditions in the community before the end of their sentence.
“Individuals would continue to serve their sentence but do so in the community under strict supervision, which can improve reintegration back into society and reduce the risk of re-offending.
“We are considering these measures to find a better balance between the time spent in custody and time supervised in the community, particularly following the recent increase in the prison population when Scotland already has one of the highest in Western Europe.
“Public safety will be paramount. Release under licence conditions means strict community supervision and specific support in place informed by robust individual risk assessments of prisoners. These measures would be introduced through legislation, requiring debate and the approval of Parliament. I invite people to share their views.”
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after an assault and robbery which took place in Edinburgh on Wednesday (3 July, 2024).
Around 12.30pm a 74-year-old man was travelling on an electric bike and stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Dalkeith Road and Salisbury Road, near to the Commonwealth Pool.
While he was waiting he was approached by a man who punched him to the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
The man then made off on the victim’s bike, cycling down Dalkeith Road towards Cameron Toll.
The suspect is described as being white, around 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black padded jacket, a black tracksuit and black and grey Nike trainers.
The victim did not require hospital treatment.
Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing into this shocking incident and it is vital that anyone with information which could assist us in identifying the person responsible comes forward.
“The surrounding area was relatively busy at the time and we are asking anyone who either witnessed what happened, or who has private CCTV or dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1365 of Wednesday, 3 July, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around midnight on Tuesday, 2 July, 2024 at the number 30 bus stop on Princes Street, travelling west between Charlotte Street and Castle Street.
A 47-year-old man was seriously assaulted after he tried to intervene in an argument involving a man and woman. He later attended at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.
Around 12.05am, the suspect and woman boarded the N11 Lothian Bus at Lothian Road, travelling towards Morningside.
Detective Constable Ryan Webster said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact us.
“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or been at the bus stop to please get in touch.
“We are also looking to speak to a couple onboard the N11 bus who interacted with the suspect and the woman on the top deck.”
Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 1035 of 2 July, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
