Tag: Crime

Police appeal following Tollcross assault

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a 49 year-old man was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh last Friday (31 January, 2020).

Around 8.45pm on Friday evening, the 49 year-old man was walking on Brougham Street, between Tollcross and Panmure Place junctions, when he was approached by a man on a bike who was cycling on the pavement.  The suspect got off his bike and assaulted the man, causing him to fall to the ground.  The cyclist then made off.

The injured man attended Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for a facial injury then later released.

The suspect is described as white, around 25-30 years of age, and of medium build.  He was wearing a light grey hooded top and jogging trousers.  He was riding a step-through bike. 

Detective Sergeant Kevin Tait of Gayfield Police Station said: “Our enquiries into this assault are continuing and officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area of Brougham Street and viewing local CCTV footage gathering more information on the man responsible.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed this attack take place on Friday evening, or who has any information that will assist our investigation to contact officers through 101 quoting reference number 1660 of 2nd February.  Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

EIGHT MILLION hours of community payback

Scotland’s communities have benefitted from around 8 million hours of unpaid work carried out by people serving community sentences since 2011.

New figures also show the number of people given supervised bail rather than being remanded in custody increased 26% between 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Unpaid work by people serving community payback orders (CPOs) supports a wide range of local needs including maintaining footpaths and clearing drains, making furniture for foodbanks and schools, work to preserve natural landscapes and redecorating community halls.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “While prison is necessary for offenders who pose a significant public safety risk, short-term custodial sentences are an ineffective means of rehabilitation. Imprisonment, including remand, disrupts families and communities, employment and housing – the very factors that deter offending and keep crime down.

“Unpaid work completed by people serving CPOs benefits local projects and helps them to become active and responsible contributors to their community. We recognise that some individuals will require sustained support and we are investing £9.5 million a year more in community justice services compared to 2015-16 as part of more than £100 million funding for justice social work.

“Many people in the justice system have chaotic backgrounds and struggle with addiction and mental health problems – issues that won’t be solved by a short period in prison, where hard-working staff should be focused on the most serious offenders.

“Community sentences, with supervision and other conditions where necessary, add structure and help people make the positive changes needed to tackle the causes of their behaviour.”

270 caught during motor insurance sweep

Over 270 drivers were detected driving without insurance across Scotland as part of the national Operation Drive Insured campaign.

The campaign saw a week of enhanced enforcement action between 20 January and 26 January to detect and, where appropriate, seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and tackle associated offences.

In 2019, over 7,000 uninsured vehicles were seized in Scotland. During January’s week of action, 271 uninsured vehicles were detected which resulted in 113 vehicles being seized. The 271 drivers who were detected without insurance were reported to the Procurator Fiscal /received a Fixed Penalty Notice with a £300 fine and six penalty points.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, said: “Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime as law-abiding drivers are at risk of paying out if they are hit by an uninsured driver.

“Additionally, uninsured motorists are more likely to have links to wider crime and often drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, posing an even greater risk to other road users.

“We will continue to take action against those who flout the law. If you have no valid insurance, you have no legal right to be on the road. I would ask the public to continue to report drivers so we can take action.”

Daren Courtenay, Motor Insurers` Bureau Police Support Officer for Scotland said: “MIB is committed to assisting the police in their continued effort of tackling uninsured driving.

“The fantastic results that Police Scotland achieved during their week of action demonstrates the need to continue this work. The vast majority of motorists are law-abiding and deserve to be protected from the increased risks posed by uninsured drivers.”

Restalrig Death: Can You Help?

Police in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for information following the death of an elderly woman in Restalrig last week.

Margaret Grant, aged 79, died in hospital following a disturbance and assault at a property in Restalrig Circus around 6.50pm on Friday, 24 January. Her death is being investigated as suspicious and an image of Margaret has now been released.

A week since Margaret died, both uniformed and plain clothes officers will be speaking to people in the Restalrig area.

In particular, officers are seeking information on a man who entered Margaret’s property and stole from her before leaving on foot. Indications are that he may have targeted Margaret’s address.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed long black hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing a black top which may have had white lower sleeves, and dark trousers.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston, from the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh, said: “Officers are following a positive line of enquiry but we are still working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and our thoughts remain with Margaret’s family. They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

“Anyone who may have seen anything in the Restalrig Circus area around the time of this disturbance, however insignificant they may think it was, should get in touch. Likewise if anyone has dash-cam footage that might help with our investigation, please call us.”

Those with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3175 of Friday, 24 January, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Teenagers jailed for Prestonfield murder

Three teenagers who beat a pensioner to death in Prestonfield have been given live sentences.

Keirin McMillan (20) was sentenced to 18 years in prison with his younger brother, Aron McMillan (17), given 17 years and three months. A third boy, Levi Hunter (16), was sentenced to 17 years.

The brutal attack took place at around 10.40pm on Thursday, 21 February, 2019, following a report of a disturbance at Alasdair McPherson Forsyth’s flat on Clearburn Road in Prestonfield.

On arrival, 67-year-old Alasdair was found with serious injuries to his head and body. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The three teenagers beat Mr Forsyth in a brutal attack with a hammer, a wrench and a screwdriver.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, the senior investigation officer on this case, said: “This attack on Alasdair was an unprovoked and cowardly act and the three individuals responsible have rightly been brought to justice.

“Knowing these teenagers will now spend a substantial period of time in prison is a welcome thought to the local community.

“Hopefully today’s news will give Alasdair’s family and friends closure on what has been a horrific period of time.

“I would like to thank officers and staff along with members of the community, who assisted with this investigation.”

Glue attacks at city centre venues

Police Edinburgh are appealing for information following vandalism attacks on the National Museum of Scotland and the nearby Festival Theatre.

The incidents took place in the Museum last Friday (24 January) and again the following day, while a similar attack has since been reported at the Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street.

In all of the incidents glue was applied to areas of the venues’ toilets.

Inspector Trish Robertson, of the West End Community Policing Team, said: “Thankfully nobody has been seriously injured as a result of these incidents, however these thoughtless acts were extremely irresponsible and could have potentially harmed young children.

“Officers are conducting a thorough investigation and I would urge anyone with any information, of who may have seen something suspicious, to contact Police via 101, quoting incident 2808 of 27 January.”

Morrison Street assault and robbery: Renewed appeal for information

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault and robbery which took place in the city centre earlier this year.

The incident took place around 3.10pm on Thursday, 2nd January, 2020 within a common close on Morrison Street. A 25-year-old man was assaulted and had his phone stolen.

Officers believe that the males pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises either of them is urged to come forward.

The male (above) in images one and two is white, believed to be about 6′ tall, around 25-years-old and of medium build. He is pictured wearing a full light grey tracksuit, a blue hat and blue trainers.

The male in images three and four is white and believed to be about 5’10″ tall. He is pictured wearing a full grey tracksuit with the hood up and a black gilet over the top.

They were last seen on Gardner’s Crescent heading towards Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

Police Constable Chris Docherty from Corstorphine CID said: “The victim suffered a serious injury as a result of this attack and was understandably very shaken.

“We are appealing for anyone who can help us locate these men to get in touch with us.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the reference number 1774 of 2 January, or can make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Woman dies following disturbance at Restalrig flat

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a woman has died following a report of a disturbance at a property in the east of the city.

At around 6.50pm on Friday (24 January) officers attended a property in Restalrig Circus. A 79-year-old woman was taken from the property by the Scottish Ambulance Service to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she died later that night.

The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.

Police are eager to speak to a man who was near the address at the time and they believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries. 

He is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed back dark hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing dark clothing with a top which possibly has white sleeves.

Inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage and ongoing. The local community will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and specialist officers are providing her next of kin with the necessary support.”

Anyone who may have been in the Restalrig Circus area yesterday evening, or who recognises the description of the man police wish to speak to, or who holds any information around this incident, are urged to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3175 of 24 January. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.