Woman assaulted and robbed on B&M steps

Police seek three men following West Granton Road incident

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery on West Granton Road around 1pm yesterday (Saturday). A 41-year-old woman was walking down the steps near the B&M store (the former Gala Bingo) when she was assaulted and robbed by three men who stole a two-figure sum.

The victim sustained minor facial injuries, but did not require medical treatment.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged 28-30, with shaved fair hair, and a Polish accent. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey joggers and white footwear.

The second suspect is also a white man, aged 28-30, with a Polish accent. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark-coloured jumper.

The third is a white man, also aged 28-30, with dark hair.

The three men were last seen heading towards Granton Road.

Detective Constable Mark Seymour said: “This was a shocking attack in broad daylight and we’re confident that there will have been people in the area at the time who can help us to identify these men.

“Anyone who can help with our enquiries is urged to come forward and we’d like to reassure the community that there will be additional patrols in the local area over the coming days as part of our enquiries to trace them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nepal earthquake: beware bogus ‘charity’ appeals

As aid flies out from the UK to Nepal, members of the public are being warned to be cautious about charity appeals …

On Saturday 25 April a massive earthquake struck Nepal. It severely shook the lives of at least 5.3m people and left many homeless. Nepal’s major cities, including the capital Kathmandu, have been badly damaged and rural areas near the epicentre have been completely cut off by avalanches.

Already over 3000 people have been confirmed dead and the figure is likely to rise significantly in the coming days. Even those whose homes are still standing are sleeping in the streets because they are terrified by regular aftershocks.

All over the world, people will want to come to the aid of the stricken people of Nepal – but sadly some unscrupulous fraudsters will see the disaster as an opportunity to capitalise on this generosity of spirit.

The Charity Commission is encouraging people wishing to help those affected by the earthquake disaster in Nepal to donate only to established registered charities.

It says charities such as the members of the Disasters Emergency Committee, which has launched a dedicated appeal in response to the earthquake, are experienced in providing emergency help during humanitarian disasters.

The regulator says that most fundraising is genuine, but warns the public to guard against unscrupulous people who exploit the generosity of the public by fundraising fraudulently.

It is urging people not to attempt to send cash or aid out directly themselves and not to forget that there are other ways of supporting registered charities if they cannot afford to or do not want to donate. For example, people can take part in fundraising events and activities organised by a registered charity.

There are laws around collecting money for charity in public which are there to protect donors and make sure that the money raised goes to a genuine charitable cause. The commission says there are simple steps people can take to help ensure they give to genuine registered charities. The tips include:

check for a registered charity number, and check that against the charity’s entry on the commission’s online charity search tool – if you want to give to the DEC appeal, its registered charity number for England and Wales is 1062638
check whether collectors are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed
if in doubt, ask the collector for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity (please see below for further safer giving tips).

Paula Sussex, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: “The British public is incredibly generous and we want to encourage them to continue giving to people in the most desperate need, such as those affected by the earthquake disaster in Nepal.

Our advice is to give to registered charities that have experience in delivering aid in difficult circumstances in the aftermath of natural disasters. It only takes a few minutes to check whether a charity is registered with us – and if in doubt, ask the fundraiser questions about how your money will be used. Good charities will be more than happy to answer your questions.”

Top tips for checking whether an organisation appealing for donations is a genuine registered charity:

before giving, check the charity’s name and registration number – you can verify this using the online charity search tool on GOV.UK
when approached by collectors, check whether they are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed
if in doubt, ask the collector for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity
genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number – be wary of those that list only a mobile number
look for the FRSB tick logo indicating that the charity is signed up to fundraising regulation, encouraging you to give with confidencewww.givewithconfidence.org.uk
to check whether a fundraiser is authorised to collect money in a public place (they must have a licence), contact your local authority or, if in London, the police – if it is a private place, check with the owner
take care when responding to emails or clicking links to a charity’s website to ensure that they are genuine – instead, search online for your preferred charity to check you have the right web address
after making these checks, if you think that a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it as a crime to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and inform the Charity Commission
if in any doubt, contact your favoured charity direct to make a donation

Toddler molested in Pennywell Gardens

‘The assault has shocked the family and they, like us, want to see the man brought to justice’ – DCI Alwyn Bell

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man who inappropriately touched a toddler in Muirhouse on Tuesday evening. The wee boy was with his mother in Pennywell Gardens at around 6.45 when he was approached by a man and subjected to a sexual assault.

Police are seeking the help of the public in tracing the assailant, who is described as 5ft 6in to 6ft tall, stocky build and unshaven. He was wearing a brown leather jacket, a dark woolly hat and dark trousers at the time of the incident.

The suspect was last seen walking in the direction of Millennium Park.
Det Ch Insp Alwyn Bell said: “We are extremely keen to apprehend this individual as quickly as possible and I would encourage anyone who remembers seeing this man in the area of Pennywell Gardens to contact police immediately.

“He was wearing a woolly hat, which could be seen as unusual in warm temperatures. Understandably, the assault has shocked the family and they, like us, want to see the man brought to justice.”

If you have any information please call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Crime prevention event at Trinity Academy

Police Scotland will be hosting a crime prevention and domestic security event to raise awareness of domestic property security and the effective measures which can be taken to protect your home and property on

Monday 27 April – Forth Event – Trinity Academy 6.30pm

The evening will consist of presentations from Police Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and other partners. The event aims to offer constructive advice regarding personal safety and the protection of your property and will afford attendees an opportunity to ask questions.

Wardieburn stabbings: one victim ‘critically ill’

‘This was an appalling attack’ – DCI Stuart Houston

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following the attempted murder of two men in Wardieburn. The incident took place at around 6pm on Wednesday evening in Wardieburn Place West. The area was busy at the time and police are hopeful that potential witnesses will come forward.

The men had travelled down from the Aberdeen area to buy a car, but on arrival they were attacked and stabbed after being lured into a common stair by two men. The suspects, who may also have robbed their victims, made off, possibly via the large grass area at the rear of the block.

Both victims were left with serious injuries and one – a 43-year-old man – is in a critical condition.

Officers are eager to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the two suspects.

The first suspect is described as a white man aged 17-19 years old, with a local accent. He has light coloured short hair which is shaved at the sides and was wearing a light coloured sky blue hooded sweatshirt and grey jogging bottoms.

The second suspect is a white man in his mid-twenties with a stocky build. He was wearing a striped top.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “This was an appalling attack on two men who came to the address in good faith. This attack happened in daylight and we believe there may be a number of witnesses who may have seen the suspects in the area. Anyone with information that can help with our enquiries is urged to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two in hospital following Wardieburn knife attack

Two men stabbed in Wardieburn in broad daylight

Two men are being treated in hospital following a knife attack in Wardieburn Place yesterday. The incident happened in broad daylight at around 6pm.

An investigation is underway to establish whether a Vauxhall Astra abandoned at the scene was involved in the incident.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to a report of a serious assault on two men in the Wardieburn/Pilton area of the city around 6pm on Wednesday. Enquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances of this incident.”

If you have any information about the incident call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Telford rapist jailed for five years

A man was sentenced to five years imprisonment yesterday at Edinburgh High Court after being found guilty of rape. Mike Okah (26) was found guilty of the rape of a woman at a flat in Telford Grove, Edinburgh on July 19 last year.

Despite Okah’s denial of his guilt and his attempts to pervert the course of justice, he was arrested and charged following an investigation Police Scotland’s Rape Investigation Unit, based in Edinburgh.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Alwyn Bell said: “I would like to acknowledge the courage of the victim throughout this investigation. This was a particularly violent incident and Okah refused to acknowledge his guilt, going to great lengths to attempt to cover up his crime.

“Tackling sexual crime is a priority for Police Scotland. The National Rape Taskforce and rape investigation units across Scotland are victim focused and we work with partners to ensure that people receive the support they need, when they need it. We continue to encourage anyone subjected to any crime of a sexual nature to contact Police Scotland.”

All change for pension options

But beware of pension fraudsters

The rules on how you can access your defined contributions pension savings from age 55 change from today. Changes to pension rules will give savers much more control over their money – but some industry experts fear that the changes will see a new wave of cold-calling, fraud and criminal activity.

The government is advising people not to take cold calls from fraudsters posing as pension professionals. Pensions minister Steve Webb – who himself was cold-called by fraudsters – acknowledges that there are risks involved with making pensions savings easier to access.

“A lot of people will have access to a lot of money come April, and there’s a bunch of crooks out there,” he said. “People should take professional advice. Pension Wise – our service – is the place to go. Not somebody who cold calls you.”

The GMB trade union is urging the Information Commissioners to crack down hard when dealing with cold callers threatening the pension pots of millions of UK savers.

GMB commented last week on the statement from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) that they are investigating claims that details of the pension pots of millions of people are being sold and ending up in the hands of cold callers. See notes to editors for statement by ICO and reports on Press Association.

Phil McEvoy, GMB National Pensions Officer, said: “This is a worrying example of the activities that look certain to accompany the new freedoms on pensions.

“History does not look kindly on pension deregulation with the mis-selling scandals of 25 years ago showing that freedoms can simply induce a feeding frenzy amongst the scavengers seeking to deprive savers of their money.

“It looks like the vultures are coming home to roost again. It is imperative that the ICO as regulator throw the book at anyone threatening the future finances of UK’s pensioners.

“ICO should not hesitate to use its power to issue penalties of up to £500,000 where marketing calls or messages cause or have the potential to cause substantial damage or distress.”

Access your savings

From today (6 April), from age 55, you can access as much of your savings from your defined contributions pension scheme (also known as ‘money purchase schemes’) as you want under new ‘pensions flexibility’ rules.

Schemes don’t have to offer these options. Talk to your pension provider to see what options are available to you.

You can transfer your pension savings to a pension provider that offers the option that you want to use.

You can access your benefits in a number of different ways:

Lump sum payment

You can take money direct from your pension pot without having to buy an annuity or put the money into drawdown, and 25% of this sum will be tax free. This is called an ‘uncrystallised funds pension lump sum’ (UFPLS). You can take one or more UFPLS payments and these can be regular or irregular payments.

If you receive a UFPLS and this is the first time you have used the pension flexibility rules to access your pension savings, your scheme administrator will provide you with a flexible access statement.

Lifetime annuity

You can use some or all of your funds to buy an annuity that will be payable at least for the rest of your life.

You can take a tax free lump sum of up to 25% of your pension pot when you buy an annuity. This is called a pension commencement lump sum.

Flexi-access drawdown

You can put funds into drawdown. From 6 April 2015 there are no limits on how much or how little you can take from your drawdown fund each year. You can take a tax free pension commencement lump sum of up to 25% of your pension pot when you put funds into drawdown. Any drawdown payments are taxed as income.

If you receive a flexi-access drawdown payment and this is the first time you have used the pension flexibility rules to access your pension savings, your scheme administrator will provide you with a flexible access statement.

Capped Drawdown

You can continue in capped drawdown if you were in a scheme before the changes, but no new capped drawdown funds or flexible drawdown funds may be set up from 6 April 2015 onwards.

If you are in capped drawdown you may either convert your fund into a flexi-access drawdown fund or continue to take a capped drawdown pension from your arrangement. Speak to your pension scheme administrator if you want to convert to flexi-access drawdown.

You can add additional funds to your existing capped drawdown arrangements and your existing annual pension limits and review periods for capped drawdown will continue to apply. Capped drawdown payments are taxed as income.

Short term annuities

If you are in drawdown you can decide to receive benefits in drawdown by purchasing short term annuities. These are paid by insurance companies at least annually and for no more than 5 years.

Overseas pension schemes

Changes made to the legislation covering pensions savings in overseas schemes bring them in line with the 2015 changes made to the rules for UK registered pension schemes.

These changes affect:

qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) – schemes that can receive transfers from registered pension schemes as authorised payments
currently relieved non-UK pension schemes – where UK tax relief has been given on or after 6 April 2006 in respect of pension savings under the scheme

Collectively, these schemes will are known as ‘relevant non-UK schemes’ and will be subject to similar rules as UK registered pension schemes.

Tax on payments and contributions

All payments you receive from an annuity or drawdown are taxable as income. You also pay income tax on 75% of the amount of any UFPLS you receive. The amount of tax you pay will depend on the amount of payments that you receive in the tax year plus any other taxable income you have.

You’ll also pay tax on any contributions you make to your pension pot over your tax-free annual allowance.

You can find more information from GOV.UK guides on:

Further Information

Pension Wise is a free and impartial government service that helps you understand your new pension options.

Police Scotland launches Most Wanted website

Police Scotland has launched a dedicated section of their website where the public can help officers to trace the “Most Wanted”.

From today (Friday 3 April), the public can click onto the most wanted page of the website and find the faces of those individuals officers across the country want to trace.

Since the launch of Police Scotland two years ago, the Fugitive Unit has arrested 215 wanted individuals, 183 of those arrested have come from requests from law enforcement agencies all across the world to trace those who were in Scotland. Police Scotland has been assisted by forces world wide in bringing back 32 people to face justice here in Scotland following arrest warrants issued by the Crown Office.

The Most Wanted section of the website will be updated when those who are evading capture are brought to justice and will be updated to show details of anyone who may be wanted.

The faces on the most wanted website are:

Derek Ferguson: Wanted for the murder of Thomas Cameron in 2007.

Israr Ali: Wanted for the murder of Waqar Shar in 2010.

Rezgar Zengana: Convicted of Rape in 2006 and failed to appear for sentencing.

Jonathan Kelly: Wanted for attempting to defeat the ends of justice in 2014.

Dariusz Kazmierczak: Wanted in Poland for multiple frauds.

Martin Banis – Wanted for fraud , has been convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Luis Miguel De Barros Silva –Wanted for to Section 39(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (Stalking offences).

Speaking ahead of the launch of the website, Detective Inspector David Wilson from the Fugitive Unit said:

“One of the main benefits of the most wanted section of the Police Scotland website is that you can log on across the world and look at the faces of those we need to trace. Criminals do not respect borders and we know that they need help from others in order to continue to evade justice. Like everyone else, they need somewhere to live and access to money.

“I would ask the public to look at the faces and the most wanted website and if they have any information about those whose faces appear to contact Police on 101. Or if they have any information they wish to pass anonymously they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

You can access the Most Wanted section here.

‘Bomb maker’ doctor jailed

A former doctor from Syria has been jailed for 40 months for possessing a hoard of explosive ingredients, and instructions on how to prepare bombs, in two North Edinburgh flats.

Last month Faris al-Khori, who is 62, admitted a breach of the 1883 Explosives Substances Act and pled guilty to possessing the explosives at flats at Fidra Court and Persevere Court between 27 December 2007 and 27 April last year.

Passing sentence at Edinburgh’s High Court this morning, Judge Lady Wolffe told al-Khori: “The number and nature of the explosive substances and the places you chose to store them lead me to conclude there is no alternative to a custodial sentence. The sentence is one of five years but in light of your early plea I reduce it to 40 months. It will be backdated and I shall also impose a supervised release order for a period of 12 months.”

Firefighters discovered the potentially lethal ingredients when they were called to tackle a fire in a rubbish chute in Fidra Court. Fire crews forced entry to flats in the high-rise block to check no-one was inside, but when they entered al-Khori’s property they found items that gave cause for concern. The building was evacuated and the find sparked off a further search of a property in Leith’s Persevere Court, where more explosive materials were found.

Despite a subsequent in-depth investigation, police have been unable find any evidence that al-Khori was connected to any terrorist organisation and his reason for stockpiling the explosive components remains a mystery .