Tag: Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce

Joshua Stewart convicted of serious organised crime offence in Edinburgh

A 21-year-old man has been convicted following an attempted murder in Edinburgh. Joshua Stewart pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday (5 March, 2026.)

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, 2025.

Stewart was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June, 2025.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “This was a violent incident and the conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“We will continue to bring those involved in serious criminality to justice.

“Police Scotland remains committed 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: Man convicted of Wilful Fireraising

A 24-year-old man has been convicted of wilful fireraising in Edinburgh.

Logan Carlin pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Tuesday, 23 December, 2025.

The incidents took place on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and Sunday, 16 March, 2025 in Albert Street and Milton Road East.

Carlin was arrested and charged in connection with wilful fireraising and reset of a stolen vehicle.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “While this was established as a targeted attack, we understand that it was a concerning incident for the local community.

“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 and highlights our 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.

Man convicted of firearm offences

A 39-year-old man has been convicted of possessing and discharging a firearm in Edinburgh.

Nicky Robertson pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 11 December, 2025).

Around 3.05am on Thursday, 20 March, police received a report of a firearm having been discharged at a property on Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Robertson was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Thursday, 24 April.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “While this was established as a targeted attack, it was a concerning incident for the local community.

“Through the hard work of the officers involved in Operation Portaledge we were able to recover the firearm involved and ultimately bring the man responsible to justice.

“This conviction 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.

Six men convicted following serious and organised crime incidents in Edinburgh and Midlothian

Six men have been convicted following a number of serious and organised crime incidents in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Michael Heeps, Lee Ridgway, John Murray, Dale Bauld, Damien Mullen and Ryan McGovern were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Tuesday, 1 July, 2025, following a trial which lasted seven weeks.

They were convicted of numerous offences including attempted murder, wilful fire-raising and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “The violence involved in each of these cases is completely unacceptable.

“Although these were all targeted attacks, those involved showed absolutely no regard for the communities affected.

“These incidents could have had much more serious consequences, and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Each of these incidents formed part of a long and incredibly complex investigation.

“Detectives, working alongside specialist officers from across the country, were meticulous in going through every detail and ultimately bringing these six men to justice.

“I would like to thank them, as well as our partners in forensic services and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal services, for their work. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.

“These convictions show Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.

“I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.”