A man has been jailed for eight years for serious sexual offences in Edinburgh.Connor Hagley, 26, pleaded guilty to the abuse, including rape, of a woman between 2019 and 2021 at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 22 July, 2024.
He was sentenced at the High Court in Stirling yesterday, Tuesday, 27 August. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Hagley is a danger to women and his conviction proves that. He’ll now face the consequences of his despicable actions, which have had a devastating impact on the woman involved.
“I’d like to commend her for her strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings. I hope this sentencing will bring some form of justice as she continues to move forward with her life.
“Anyone who has been a victim of such crimes is urged to come forward and report it to us. We’re committed to fully investigating, regardless of when it happened, and bringing those responsible in front of the courts.
“I want to reassure you, we have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”
A woman and man have been convicted of human trafficking offences in Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.
Mananchaya Wanitthanawet, 40 and Cameron Wilson, 30, were convicted at the High Court in Dundee on Thursday, 22 August, 2024.
They are due to be sentenced at a later date.
The offences took place between November, 2019 and December, 2020.
Detective Inspector Simon Murray said: “Human trafficking has no place in Scotland.
“We will continue target criminals who abuse, control and exploit people, working with partners nationally and internationally to bring offenders to justice, and to raise public awareness to help identify victims and ensure they get the support they need.
“People within local communities are often the first to spot when someone may be trafficked or is being exploited.
“If you have concerns, or information, please report this to us on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate and take action.”
A nationwide call to hand over zombie-style knives and machetes has been launched by the UK government, before these dangerous weapons are banned from our streets.
From 24 September, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Ahead of the new ban coming into force, anyone who has one of these weapons is being urged to hand them over – safely and legally.
This scheme will be run at police stations across England and Wales for four weeks between 26 August and 23 September, without repercussions for surrendering these potentially dangerous knives safely.
Individuals can also anonymously dispose of these weapons using safe, surrender bins, by contacting their local police, council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options, other than police stations, in their area.
After 24 September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or a machete faces time behind bars.
Policing Minister, Diana Johnson said: “Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets.
“That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons. Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal.
“It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.
“We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people.”
Participating police stations are spread across the country, and people should contact their designated police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station.
This scheme is just one part of the government’s pledge to halve knife crime in a decade. Next steps will include further bans, stronger rules to stop online sales, and tough action to stop young people being drawn into crime.
POLICE are appealing for information after a 17-year-old male was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 11.20pm on Friday night (16 August, 2024), when he was attacked by two men with bladed weapons on Craigentinny Road, close to Christiemillar Avenue.
He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.
The road was closed for a short time while enquiries were carried out.
The suspects are described as wearing black clothing and they ran from the scene onto Loaning Road.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “A young man suffered serious injuries and we need to trace those responsible as soon as possible.
“If you were in the Craigentinny Road area on Friday evening and saw or heard anything suspicious, or know who these men are, please contact us.”
Those with information can speak to officers by calling 101 and quoting incident number 4590 of 16 August. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park at around 5.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 14 August, 2024).
A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.
The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Firework Control Zones.
The introduction of a Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off in these areas, and a Citywide Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off anywhere in the capital.
These Firework Control Zones will not impact organised displays, such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Christmas or Hogmanay.
Consultation is currently underway for the following locations:
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together.
“However, we all remember the shocking scenes we saw in some areas of the capital last year with emergency services being attacked, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.
“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their position on the use of fireworks, and I encourage everyone to take some time to have their say before the consultation closes.”
Further information on Firework Control Zones is available on the council website. The consultation closes on Friday 23 August 2024.
More than 150 of the people arrested in connection with this month’s violent disorder have already faced their day in court, data released on Friday has revealed.
The rapid action taken across the justice system by police, prosecutors and those working in courts has led to 118 of those individuals being remanded into custody in a collective effort to keep communities safe and free from further violence.
More than 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are cells ready to receive all those sent to custody by the courts.
The latest data released shows that as of Thursday 8 August 2024:
176 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already taken place
6 were sentenced in the magistrates’ court
50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing
72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial
26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court
All these numbers will increase over the coming days and weeks as more and more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law.
“This data shows that many have already seen the inside of a courtroom and will see a stint behind bars too. Where they have gone, more will follow.
“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated professionals across the criminal justice system who have worked tirelessly so such swift action could be taken.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement from Downing Street yesterday:
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.
The police will be making arrests.
Individuals will be held on remand.
Charges will follow. And convictions will follow.
I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.
Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.
This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery.
And it has no place on our street or online.
Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham.
Marauding gangs intent on law breaking. Or worse.
Windows smashed.
Fires set ablaze.
Residents and staff in absolute fear.
There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.
People in this country have a right to be safe.
And yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted.
Attacks on Mosques.
Other minority communities singled out.
Nazi salutes in the street.
Attacks on the police.
Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.
So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is: Far-right thuggery.
To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin…
Or your faith…
I know how frightening this must be.
I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country.
And we will bring them to justice.
Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up.
Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction.
Crime is crime.
And this government will tackle it.
Thank you.
The Prime Minister will hold an emergency COBRA meeting this morning.
Mosques to be offered new emergency security
Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed
The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance. This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.
Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.
This announcement will build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4 million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”
The Government has made clear that targeted attacks on Muslim communities will not be tolerated. All those involved in violent disorder, including attacks on the police, local communities, arson and looting should expect to face the full force of the law.
The new arrangements have been deployed and are already providing additional security for mosques across the country this weekend. The scheme also remains open for general applications and all those eligible are encouraged to apply.
TUC ANTI FAR RIGHT STATEMENT
We stand together in peace and solidarity with the people of Southport following the horrific events that took place on Monday 29th July have left us all in shock.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died and are receiving treatment for their injuries. They should be the priority for everyone who cares about what has happened
Instead some have sought to use the tragic event in Southport to divide and spread hate – based on mistruths and false information. Far right thugs have taken to the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London to attack Police and emergency service workers, to target Muslim communities with xenophobic hatred and to despoil the memories of those whose lives were so tragically cut short.
We must not let them get away with their lies and division. Trade unions have always been at the heart of efforts to unite communities and stand against hate. But the challenge feels even more urgent now.
Whilst what took place in Southport leaves a dark shadow, we have seen some of the best of us. Our emergency service workers who rushed to danger, who provided and continue to provide life-saving care. Our public service workers providing ongoing care and support and practical help. Our teachers and support staff in the schools attended by young people affected and our community organisations who have stepped up to help and provide counselling.
So many other individuals, local businesses and organisations who are giving their time and expertise. They all deserve our gratitude. They have discharged their duty professionally, diligently and with compassion for their community.
Once again, it is a diverse range of front-line workers and community activists who have stepped up to repair the damage – material, physical and emotional.
Southport and our communities across the country do not need to meet violence with further violence. Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable.
As trade unions, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across the country, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.
Our unions call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and for all those who perpetrate these acts to be brought to justice.
Unity is our strength, and we will stand firm against those that aim to pit different workers and communities against each other.
