Gracemount firework miscreant jailed

A 19-year-old man who was involved in significant disorder in south Edinburgh on Bonfire Night two years ago has been sentenced to 16 months in detention.

Finlay Burns appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 2 March, 2026, after pleading guilty last month to violent offences, including endangering the lives of police officers after he attacked them in the Gracemount area on 5 November, 2024.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The scenes we witnessed in Edinburgh that night were wholly unacceptable and Finlay Burns was responsible for some of the most violent and disorderly behaviour.

“His guilty plea earlier this year is a testament to the overwhelming evidence we gathered, and the case built against him by Edinburgh Division.

“His reckless behaviour terrorised the local community and put officers at significant risk of harm.

“The safety of our officers is a priority for Police Scotland, and this incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous nature of situations they can face, while keeping our communities safe.

“I hope the outcome in this case serves as a reminder to everyone that we will not tolerate such conduct and will use all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Man jailed for serious assault in Leith

A man has been jailed for a serious assault in Leith. Damien May, 58, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday n Wednesday , 17 December 2025.

He previously pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 20 November.

The incident happened around 2pm on Monday, 20th May 2024, outside a premises on North Junction Street. A 56-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

Detective Constable Calum Turnbull, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This was a serious and violent assault which resulted in significant injuries that will have a long-term and lasting impact on the victim’s life.

“Violent behaviour such as this is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to thoroughly investigate incidents like this and take robust action against those involved.”

Man jailed following violent offence and discharge of firearm in Edinburgh

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison following a violent offence and discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh.

Arran Reid pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May.

Reid was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June. 

On Friday, 13 June, officers were made aware of a window having been damaged at a property on Walter Scott Avenue. 

Following enquiries, it was established that the damage had been caused by the discharge of a firearm. 

Reid was also charged in connection with this incident on Tuesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious criminality that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“It also highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Operation Portaledge: Main jailed

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison following the recovery of a firearm in Edinburgh.

Liam McDermid plead guilty to a serious organised crime offence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 22 October, 2025.

The firearm was recovered from the Roseburn Path area of Edinburgh by officers investigating Operation Portaledge on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Thursday, 20 November.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Liam McDermid is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this sentence sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice.

“The recovery of the firearm formed part of a long and incredibly complex investigation, which remains ongoing, and involves a range of specialist officers working closely with our partners.

“This case also highlights Police Scotland’s continued commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Teenager involved in Bonfire Night disorder in Edinburgh sentenced

A teenager involved in the significant disorder within the South West of Edinburgh during Bonfire Night 2024 has been given a prison sentence.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 4 August, the 17-year-old, who cannot be named, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for mobbing and rioting, which took place in Calder Road on 5 November.

He previously pled guilty to the Calder Road incident and a separate disorder offence that took place on Princes Street on 5 October 2024 and has so far served eight months in prison, having been remanded in custody.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The scenes we witnessed in Calder Road, along with other areas of the city, last Bonfire Night were wholly unacceptable and resulted in a local car dealership having thousands of pounds worth of damage inflicted upon their vehicles, while our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also had their station in the area targeted.

“This individual was an active participant in the disorder and damage that took place during this time, and he was subsequently arrested as a result of thorough inquiries conducted by local officers and CID colleagues.

“His prison sentence is a welcome outcome and should once again highlight the joint commitment of both Police Scotland and COPFS to ensure those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice for their dangerous and unacceptable actions.”

Man sentenced for assault and robbery in Craigentinny

A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for assault and robbery in Edinburgh.

Conlan Carr, 27, was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025. He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday (3 June).

In the early hours of Thursday, 11 May, 2023, Carr entered a property on Craigentinny Road, armed with a knife.

He made threats to the two occupants, stealing a mobile phone and a car. A 29-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Detective Constable Euan Chancellor said: “This was a terrifying experience for those involved, and Carr will now face the consequences of his actions. I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims.

“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating violent crime and ensuring those responsible are held to account.”

Man sentenced for serious sexual assault in Edinburgh

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced after being convicted of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh.

Rowan McKenna attacked a woman at a property in the west of the city in July 2023.

He was jailed for 10 years and six months and placed on the Sex Offenders Register when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Monday, 2 June), after being previously convicted for the serious sexual assault and an assault to injury.

Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “My thoughts are with the woman who showed immense strength in assisting our investigation. I hope this sentencing brings her some form of comfort.

“We are committed to bringing those responsible for sexual abuse to justice. We work with a range of partner agencies to support victims and carry out investigations.

“Anyone with concerns or information should contact Police Scotland through 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Man jailed for violent and sexual offences in Paisley and Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for seven years for violent and sexual offences on two women in the Paisley and Edinburgh areas.

Charles Morrison, 27, was found guilty of the offences spanning four years at the High Court in Paisley on Wednesday, 12 June, 2024. He was sentenced to seven years in prison at the same court today, Thursday, 11 July.

He was also given a 15-year Non-Harassment Order in relation to both victims and has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Gebbie said: “Morrison has been found to be a danger to women and will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I hope his conviction and sentencing will bring justice to the women involved, who have shown great strength in reporting what happened to them.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of violent and sexual offences, regardless of when they happened. I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and report it to us. We will thoroughly investigate any reports and, working with our partner agencies, you will be supported throughout the process.”

Granton Crescent murder: Man jailed

A 29-year-old man has been jailed after previously pleading guilty to the murder of a man and the serious assault of a woman in Granton last March.

Sam Atkins (pictured) appeared at the High Court in Glasgow today and was sentenced to 18 years.

Officers were called to a flat in the Granton Crescent area on 25 March, 2023, following a report of a disturbance.

Charles Paul, aged 69, was found with fatal injuries. A 36-year-old woman was found with serious but not life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

Atkins was arrested at the scene and he was charged the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “We welcome the sentencing and hope that it brings some kind of closure for Charles’s family and friends and that of the woman also.

“These were despicable and callous acts carried out by Atkins, who showed an utter disregard for the life of Charles Paul or for the woman he seriously assaulted.

 “I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Man jailed for sexual offence in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for four years and three months after being convicted of a sexual offence in Edinburgh.

Antonio Pollio, 24, pleaded guilty to the offence involving a young female at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 21 August, 2023. He was sentenced at the same court yesterday (Thursday, 28 September).

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper said: “Antonio Pollio is a dangerous man who manipulated and coerced a young female. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

“We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.

“Be assured, we will fully investigate and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”