A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for serious sexual offences in the Edinburgh area and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Haydn Edmonds, 37, was sentenced today, Friday, 7 June for a series of crimes, including rape, committed between June 2016 and June 2019.
He was previously found guilty following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Brown said: “The investigation revealed Edmonds to be a manipulative and sexually violent individual who poses a significant risk to women. It is due to the courage of those came forward to report his abuse that he has been held to account for his actions.
“I would urge anyone who has suffered sexual violence to come forward and report it to us, regardless of the passage of time. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will support you through the process, investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
“Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Four men have been jailed for a total of over 18 years after pleading guilty to being involved in serious organised crime in Edinburgh.
Dale Cleeton, 31, was jailed for seven years, Calvin Begbie, 30, for six years, Fraser Boyd, 51, for three years and Mitchell Whyte, 24, for 32 months.
Cleeton and Begbie were also given Serious Crime Prevention Orders for three years.
They were convicted on Friday, 3 May, 2024 at the High Court in Glasgow and were sentenced there this morning, Friday, 7 June.
Detective Inspector Mark McCullagh, senior investigating officer for the case, said: “These men and their organised crime group were a significant factor in the trade of illegal drugs in Edinburgh and The Lothians.
“They caused nothing but harm in pursuit of their own gain.
“Their activities were uncovered by an intelligence-led operation by specialist officers working in Edinburgh. Disrupting the activities of organised crime groups and making the country an extremely hostile environment for them to operate is one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.
“There is no place for serious organised criminality in our society and, working in partnership with the local communities we serve, law enforcement agencies and the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue our fight against those involved in serious and organised crime to keep our communities safe.”
Police Scotland has agreed a national contract to implement body worn video for frontline officers and staff across Scotland, over the next three years.
Motorola Solutions UK Limited was successful in securing the £13.3m contract and work has already started to design, build and implement this new capability.
The contract includes the purchase of 10,500, Home Office-approved VB400 cameras and supporting back-office systems.
Since taking command in October 2023, Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised body worn video.
The equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors said: “The introduction of body worn video will transform policing in Scotland and a national roll-out is a key priority for the Chief Constable.
“Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public actions.
“Body worn video will also improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reducing time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.
“We know there is strong public and partner support for body worn video in Scotland and we will continue to explain policing’s use of this important technology, including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.
“Appointing a supplier is an important step and we are working at pace with Motorola Solutions to ensure that body worn video is embedded effectively for frontline officers and staff as soon as possible.
“We also want to maximise the benefits of body worn video for the wider criminal justice system to improve efficiencies and experiences for victims and we are working with Motorola and partners to that end.
“This is a complex programme of work, but appointing a supplier is a big step forward and we’ll continue to share details as progress is made.”
A national roll-out of body worn video was a key recommendation of Lady Elish Angiolini’s independent review of police complaints, published in 2020.
Our national public consultation on body worn video received more than 9,000 responses and showed overwhelming support for its introduction, with 81 per cent agreeing that it would increase public confidence in policing.
Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, Martyn Evans, said: “This a welcome development in the project to roll out body worn video to frontline officers as soon as possible.
“This remains a priority for the Authority in terms of the safety of officers, effectiveness of investigations and in building trust and confidence.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government’s record police funding of £1.55 billion for Police Scotland this year has meant that a national contract has been awarded which will introduce body worn video for officers and staff.
“Body worn video can increase public confidence in policing, protect officers’ safety and support the investigation and prosecution of crime, benefitting victims and witnesses and the general public.
“I welcome the Chief Constable’s assurance that the national roll-out is a key priority.”
Motorola Solutions was awarded the contract on the basis of quality and value for money and a range of technical requirements. The new system is anticipated to work smoothly in areas with lower quality network connections, including rural locations, and we are also investing in our network capability to support this.
Mark Schmidl, senior vice president for international sales at Motorola Solutions, said: “We are proud to support Police Scotland with its nationwide deployment of the VB400, an innovative technology solution developed in Scotland, which will play an important role in helping to make communities safer.”
Every frontline uniformed police officer including Special Constables will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers, whether it be a stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.
Police staff in custody suites will also use body worn video when interacting with people in custody.
Officers and custody staff will begin using body worn video once the technical infrastructure is established, operational processes embedded, and training is complete.
Body worn video will be rolled out on a phased basis across the country and more details will be announced at a later date.
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal collision in Edinburgh.
Around 9am on Saturday, 1 June, 2024 officers were called to reports of a single vehicle crash on the A1 at the Newcraighall junction involving a silver Ford C-Max.
The driver of the car, John Fairgrieve, 75, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he later died.
John’s family have released the following statement via Police Scotland:
“While we’re grateful that no one else was injured in the incident, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
“We would like to give our thanks to all the emergency services for the care and support they provided and also to those that stopped to help at the scene.”
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
Road Policing Sergeant Louise Birrell said: “Our thoughts remain with John’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what has happened. We’ll support them and keep them updated as our investigation progresses.
“We would like to thank the members of public who stopped at the time to help Mr Fairgrieve and those who have come forward with information so far.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone else who saw what happened or has dashcam footage from the area around the time.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1099 of 1 June, 2024.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder which happened Groathill Road North, Edinburgh around 2.30pm last Wednesday, 29 May, 2024.
A 41-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.
POLICE have issued an image of a man they believe may have information that can assist with an investigation into an assault outside a premises on Dalry Road.
The incident took place shortly after 12.30pm on Saturday, 11 May, 2024.
The man is described as being black, 6ft 2, stocky build, with a short afro and black beard. He was wearing a black hat, black shiny jacket, black cargo trousers and black trainers. He was seen riding an electric bike.
Constable Pete Shannon, of Wester Hailes Police Station, said: “We are eager to talk to the man in this image, as we believe he may be able to assist our enquiries into this incident, and we urge anyone who may recognise him to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1590 of 11 May, 2024, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Around 7.25pm on Wednesday, 29 May, 2024 two bodies were recovered from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glencoe.
They have now been identified as father and son, Tom Parry, 49, and Richie Parry, 12, from Cheshire.
Gemma Parry has released the following statement:
“Tom was a caring and loving father to his children and a loving husband to me, his wife Gemma. Richie was an energetic, loving boy who loved his quizzes, maths, and sports. He always cared for others as well no matter what”.
“We would like to take this chance to thank the Scottish and Cheshire police as well as the mountain rescue service along with all the other emergency services involved in finding Richie and Tom”.
“We would also like to say to the press to give me and my family some privacy during this time of grieving”.
“We would also like to thank to thank the community of Alsager and all of our family friends who have helped us and supported us throughout this time”.
“Tom and Richie will be sadly missed and never forgotten”.
There are no suspicious circumstances and their deaths are being treated as the result of a fall. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Inspector Katy Duncan said: “Our thoughts remain with the Parry family at what is a very difficult time for them.
“We would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal, to all emergency services and Mountain Rescue volunteers.”
POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault of a man in Drylawyesterday. The incident took place in the Groathill Road North area at round 2.30pm on Wednesday (29 May, 2024).
A 41-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Detective Constable Peter Lyons said: “Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“We are appealing to anyone in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to get in touch.
“I would also urge anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV that could assist our investigation to contact officers.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 2702 of 29 May. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices, including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love and identity:
I believe passionately in the value that policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for, and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.
That value must be for all our communities. Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies to them. All must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. I also want people from all communities to see policing as a potential career.
It is a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love & identity.
As Chief Constable, I would like to extend a sincere apology, for the recent and historical injustices and discrimination that members of LGBTQI+ communities in Scotland have faced. At times policing has not only failed to protect you but has contributed to the mistreatment and prejudice many have endured.
Laws which criminalised love and identity were wrong, and policing must recognise and reflect upon our role in enforcing them. I am truly sorry for the serious and long-lasting physical and mental pain and harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities.
Police Scotland is determined to build an inclusive Service, free from discrimination, for all our communities.
We will advocate for and support third party reporting to increase confidence and overall reporting.
We are empowering leaders to build inclusive teams; improving our education and training for all our officers and staff to ensure they understand and respect the issues facing the LGBTQI+ communities and on equality laws; focusing on our values and standards; and delivering a clear and consistent message that there is no place in Police Scotland for prejudice.
And we will reintroduce specialist liaison officers to work with the community and support officers and staff.
It is important that we take responsibility for our actions to build a future where everyone feels safe and supported.
I am dedicated to building a service that you can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
I hope this apology can contribute to the necessary progress to ensure the value of policing is for all communities.
See behind the scenes as we showcase our policing talent at our Recruitment and Training Centre in Jackton on Saturday, 1 June, 2024 between 10am and 3pm.
Come along on Saturday, 1 June to find out more about the wide variety of jobs available in policing from police officer to support staff roles and opportunities to volunteer as a special constable.
At this event you can:
Speak to serving police officers, staff, forensics teams and special constables and find out what it is like to work for Police Scotland or the Scottish Police Authority.
See demonstrations from our dog unit, mounted branch, marine unit, public order and armed policing specialists.
Have the chance to take part in a mock fitness assessment we use for police officer and special constable recruitment.
Learn more about the recruitment and vetting process.
Find out about high quality training and development opportunities.
Policing is a job like no other. It’s not just about upholding the law and catching criminals, it’s also about supporting communities by building trust, respect, and positive relationships. It can be physically and emotionally demanding, but you will be there to make a difference to those who need it most.
All policing colleagues, from police officers to staff in support roles and our volunteer special constables, play an important part in improving the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities across Scotland.
Please note that sign up for this event is not required. However, those who do register for the event will be able to receive reminders and updates about the behind the scenes recruitment showcase event, any future recruitment events and job opportunities
Behind the scenes – recruitment showcase event
What can you expect at the event
See behind the scenes as we showcase our policing talent at our Recruitment and Training Centre, Jackton, G75 8GR on Saturday, 1 June, 10am – 3pm.
At this event you can:
Speak to serving police officers and police staff, find out what it is like to work for Police Scotland and learn about the wide variety of jobs available from police officer and support staff roles to opportunities to volunteer as a special constable
See demonstrations from our dog unit, mounted branch, public order and armed policing specialists
Have the chance to take part in a mock fitness assessment we use for police officer and special constable recruitment
Learn more about the recruitment and vetting process
Find out about high quality training and development opportunities.
Event timetable
Our behind the scenes recruitment showcase event will run from 10am-3pm.
However you can drop in throughout the day at any time that suits you based on the inputs you would like to see.
We will have mock fitness assessments and demonstrations of various policing specialisms.
Policing specialisms on display include:
public order
traffic and police vehicles
dog unit
mounted branch
dive and marine unit
armed policing and taser
air support unit
working at heights
There will be opportunities, throughout the day, for you to talk to representatives from our Positive Action and Probationer Training teams.
Our Police Staff Recruitment teams will be there along with lots of business areas such as, Vetting, Contact Command and Control service, Forensic Services, Digital Division and others.
You will also be able to learn about wellbeing support and speak to representatives from Diversity Staff Associations, which are open to all colleagues of Police Scotland, and police charity partners.
There are also various information sessions taking place in our Lecture Theatre during the day:
10.30 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team
10.50 – Vetting Input
11.00 – Scottish Police College
11.15 – Probationer Training
11.30 – Lecture theatre interval
11.50 – Specialist Crime Division
12.00 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team
12.20 – Vetting Input
12.30 – Scottish Police College
12.45 – Probationer Training
13.30 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team
13.50 – Vetting Input
14.00 – Scottish Police College
14.15 – Probationer Training
14.30 – Lecture theatre close
Refreshments will be available to purchase from our canteen throughout the day.
Travel and Parking
You can travel to Jackton Police College, Eaglesham Road, East Kilbride G75 8GR by car or train.
Hairmyres train station is a 24 minute walk from Jackton Police College. Frequent trains run from Glasgow Central station to Hairmyres.
For those planning to travel by car, limited parking is available on site. We have set up various overflow car parks.
Our overflow car parks are located at:
Redwood Avenue, East Kilbride
Redwood Court, East Kilbride
Orbital Court, East Kilbride
Redwood Nursery, East Kilbride
A shuttle bus will be available to collect you from Redwood Court, East Kilbride, if you have parked in an overflow car park, to take you to our Recruitment and Training Centre. Our shuttle bus will run regularly throughout the day.
Register now
You can attend our event with your family and friends, and children are welcome. No dogs, except guide dogs are permitted at this event
You can sign up for our event online now using the register button below. However, sign up for this event is not compulsory.
Those who do register for the event will be able to receive reminders and updates about the behind the scenes recruitment showcase event, any future recruitment events and job opportunities.
