Tag: wilful fire-raising

Operation Portaledge: Three convicted of wilful fire-raising offences

Three men have been convicted of wilful fire-raising offences linked to Operation Portaledge.

At the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 26 March, 2026, Marshall O’Hara, 21, and Fraser Stewart, 22, pleaded guilty to four wilful fire-raising offences. Aiden McLaughlin (pictured above), 21, pleaded guilty to one wilful fire-raising offence.

All three pleaded guilty in relation to a wilful fire-raising at a premises on Wellington Road in Bishopbriggs on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025.

O’Hara and Stewart were also convicted in relation to wilful fire-raisings at a property on Ashgill Road, Glasgow and a property on Meadow Court, Stepps, on Monday, 7 April, as well as a property on Colston Drive, Bishopbriggs on Monday, 14 April.

They are all due to be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, 13 May.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “These were worrying incidents for the local community and now those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.

“We will continue to bring those intent in being involved in serious and organised crime to justice.

“These convictions are further examples of 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.”