Latest news with #Aitchison
The Courier
a day ago
- The Courier
Tuesday court round-up — Bogus tradesman and £90k dealer
A Dundee father-of-three was jailed for 32 months after he was caught storing heroin and cocaine worth more than £90,000. The High Court in Edinburgh was told did not know the value of the drugs police recovered from an address at Ormiston Crescent. Judge Lord Arthurson told the 30-year-old he would have faced a four-year jail term but for his early guilty plea to two charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin on July 17 last year. During a search, officers found more than half a kilo of heroin and three kilos of bulking agent in a holdall, along with quarter of a kilo of cocaine in a gift bag and smaller amounts of cocaine. The cocaine was assessed as having a maximum value of £50,500 and the heroin £40,000. Officers also found £460 in a jacket pocket. Defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin said Ogilvie was laid off from his employment last summer. 'He accepts he was abusing drugs at the time and he was suffering financial difficulties.' He said Ogilvie agreed to store the drugs but stood to gain very little financially and 'did not know the value and did not know that heroin was also present'. He added: 'He accepts fully his involvement in these offences and appreciates that he must be punished.' 'A significant part of that punishment is letting his family down. His actions have caused misery to those closest to him.' A senior manager at power firm SSE has been banned from driving for two years after he drunkenly careered his car into a Perth woman's garden. was five times the limit when he ploughed his Land Rover Discovery through a hedge. A Fife tradesman who swindled thousands of pounds from customers has been given a hefty compensation order and told for a second time to do unpaid work. , 25, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court after failing to do the 160 unpaid work hours to which he was originally sentenced about a year ago for the crime. The court heard he has only done one hour. Aitchison, of Sherbrooke Road, Rosyth, previously pled guilty to three fraud charges. On March 1 2023 at an address in Nether Currie Road, Edinburgh, he pretended he would carry out work to renovate a room in his house and obtained a £1,300 deposit by fraud, knowing he had no intention of doing the work. He fraudulently obtained a £1,400 deposit from a woman by pretending he would install a new kitchen at her home in Leadside Crescent, Wellwood, on September 28 2023. Between April 21 and September 27 of that year at an address in Goulden Place, Dunfermline, he obtained a £3,200 deposit by fraud by pretending he would carry out building work. Defence lawyer Pete Robertson said Aitchison – who remains in joinery work – started his own business but got himself into debts and ended up 'putting his head in the sand'. The lawyer said Aitchison's focus until February this year was cocaine use but that he has started to take steps to abstain, is now more pro-social and is assessed in a background report as suitable for unpaid work. Sheriff Susan Duff made a compensation order for the full amount and gave Aitchison 74 weeks to pay at £100 per week. He will be under offender supervision. The sheriff also told Aitchison to do 159 hours of unpaid work – taking account of the one hour he did – within three months. A security engineer who clambered into a fire tragedy Perth hotel to reclaim his CCTV cameras told a court how he was treated by police as a murder suspect. entered the New County Hotel through an upstairs window just weeks after the horrific blaze in January 2023 that claimed the lives of three people. After a lengthy trial he was cleared of breaking into the hotel and stealing the cameras. drunkenly dished out racist and homophobic abuse at Dundee bar, Captain's Cabin. As he was arrested, he called police 'Nazis' and 'woke'. Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith told Penman: 'If I were woke perhaps I would step back from a custodial sentence.' Dundee Sheriff Court heard how the 40-year-old approached door staff at the North Lindsay Street bar at around 11.50pm on November 23 2024 and said: 'Your venue is full of Nazis 'Why do you let all these black b******s in?' He was refused entry and became 'irate and agitated', a prosecutor said. He began shouting, 'Nazi b******s' at patrolling police and after being handcuffed and taken to the nearby police headquarters, shouted: 'You mutants, you freaks. 'Woke p**f. Transgender woke c**t. You're a f****t.' Penman kicked out repeatedly and kicked one PC on the body. Solicitor Gary McIlravey said of his client: 'He had no recollection whatsoever. 'He has not covered himself in glory with his behaviour and underpinning the offences was the excessive consumption of alcohol.' Penman was placed on a restriction of liberty order (10pm-6am) for four months. A pizza chef who smoked cannabis with a missing 12 year-old girl before raping her in Fife has been jailed for five years. exploited the youngster at his then-home in Burntisland in June 2023 and claimed in the high court he thought the child was older than she was. A 53-year-old who made a sexual remark to a 15-year-old girl at Glenrothes bus station and stole money from a pensioner has been jailed for 14 months. On other occasions at the same bus station, struck a bus service employee on the head with his crutch and was racially abusive to another man. Hamilton appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court for sentencing by video link to prison after earlier pleading guilty to separate offences of directing sexual verbal communications at a child, assault, theft, and acting in a racially aggravated manner. Prosecutor Matthew Knapp told the court the teenager was left 'alarmed and very uncomfortable' on July 31 last year when Hamilton asked her age then told her 'you have good boobs and a bum for a 15-year-old.' Defence lawyer Calum Harris said Hamilton, of Glenrothes, was under the influence at the time and has little recollection of the incident. Hamilton had already been told at the station he was banned from Stagecoach buses after leaving blood-soaked bandages on a coach on June 22 last year. He had reacted by hitting a supervisor with his crutch, cutting his head. His bus station offending also included, on August 19 2023, acting in a racially-aggravated manner by repeatedly uttering racist abuse and raising his crutch at a man in an aggressive manner. On June 15 last year at an address in Postgate, Glenrothes, Hamilton stole a 'quantity of cash' from an 81-year-old man. Referring to a previous background report, Mr Harris said his client had been sleeping rough for three years prior to his remand in March. He said Hamilton has been a drug user since the age of 13, when he was first introduced to heroin and more recently, crack cocaine.
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
E-bike rules written but enforcement up in the air
More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport.
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
E-scooters to be allowed on some streets, paths in NSW government proposal
E-scooters could soon become legal to ride on shared paths and suburban roads in NSW, after the state government revealed its long-awaited plan to reform the state's road regulation. An inquiry held by the NSW Legislative Council recommended in its final report earlier this year that 'significant and urgent reform' be undertaken in regard to the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility devices in the state. Laws around use of mobility devices are currently somewhat opaque, with the committee having made 34 recommendations including reducing speed limits to 30km for all vehicles and allowing their use on footpaths. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said there were about 1.3 million e-mobility devices already on the NSW network, despite it only being legal in the state to buy an e-scooter – riding one, meanwhile, had been illegal. 'We need to ensure that we are using them properly and safely, and that we are balancing the cost of living and environmental and congestion benefits with the very important safety issues that can be caused,' she said. 'Our response is about getting the balance right so that we can protect the community, but also understand and address the reality that we've got. 'If we look at this whole scenario, we have had a very methodical approach.' Ms Aitchison admitted it was 'unrealistic' to tell e-scooter riders they cannot use them, or to 'expect people are just going to leave them in their sheds', saying there was agreeance on the need for regulation and education. So far, the NSW government is only presenting its response to the inquiry, which was due on Tuesday and which Ms Aitchison said saw the government support the majority of the NSW Legislative Council's findings. Legislation will be put to parliament later this year. Ms Aitchison said the state government had undertaken trials into the use of e-mobility devices, and had also looked to other jurisdictions in regard to how they have legislated the use of such devices on roads and paths. Under the proposal, e-scooters will be permitted on shared paths, but not footpaths zoned exclusively for pedestrians. They will also be allowed on roads with a speed limit up 50km, but would be limited to travelling at 20kms. Under the proposed rules, e-scooter use will be limited to independent riders over the age of 16. The proposal does not outline any new speed limits for e-bikes. The final letter of the Bill would follow consultation with police and with Transport for NSW. The state government is not looking at a registration scheme, and certain modified e-bikes will remain illegal. Legalising e-scooters on shared paths and suburban roads would bring NSW in line with most other Australian states.
Calgary Herald
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Alberta remained a Conservative stronghold in the federal election, what happened to the Liberals and NDP?
Article content Alberta was a sea of blue with a speck or two of orange and red in the 2025 federal election with the Conservatives picking up 34 of the 37 seats in the province. Article content Article content Throughout the five-week campaign, polls suggested there was a chance the federal Liberals would finally break through the long-time Conservative stronghold, but ultimately failed to do so. The final result of the federal election in Alberta ended with the Conservatives regaining two ridings held by Liberal and NDP incumbents. Article content Article content Postmedia spoke to Colin Aitchison, Western Canada director at communications firm Enterprise Canada and a former UCP staffer, to discuss why the federal NDP and Liberals failed to break through in Alberta, the role of split votes and why the province remains predominantly blue. Article content Article content Canadians were expecting a tight race this federal election and, in Alberta specifically, several ridings were thought to potentially flip to the Liberal party. Article content Aitchison said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party were able to appeal to the 'traditional' Alberta Conservative base. He said Albertans have felt disenfranchised by the federal Liberals, despite a change in leadership with Liberal Leader Mark Carney and his positive reception from many Canadians. Article content Article content Over the years, some Albertans have felt federal policies are often geared towards Quebec or Ontario and feel that Liberal governments are not pro-energy or resource development — two industries that drive Alberta's economy, according to Aitchison. Article content Article content 'They often see election results, except for this time around, decided before they even start counting ballots in Alberta and they feel that their role in Canada's Confederation, not to use Jason Kenney language, but they feel like they haven't been getting a fair deal,' Aitchison said. Article content 'I think that's why we see time and time again, Conservative voters really coalescing and voting conservative federally, because they feel that that is the only party that will get those policies done rightfully or wrongfully.'
CBC
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Conservative Scott Aitchison projected winner in Parry Sound-Muskoka
Conservative incumbent Scott Aitchison is projected to win the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding. This is his third straight win in the riding. The former mayor of Huntsville also ran against Pierre Poilievre for the Conservative leadership in 2022. "I'm honoured that the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka have put their faith in me once again, regardless of what's happening at the national level, to be their voice and occupy their chair in the House of Commons," Aitchison told CBC News from his victory party Monday night. He and the rest of the Conservative party had been expecting a different result from this vote, riding a 25 per cent lead in the polls just a few months ago, to now find themselves staying on the opposition benches. "You know, there's no question that Donald Trump has inflicted a whole new level of complexity to our campaign nationally and that's been fairly frustrating for us," Aitchison said. The Parry Sound-Muskoka riding is a real Conservative stronghold, with the blue team holding it for the past 20 years and most of the last century. Liberal candidate Geordie Sabbagh, a local filmmaker, finished in second place, with about 40 per cent of the vote, with about half of polls reporting. The NDP's Heather Hay was a distant third.
