Latest news with #HMPBarlinnie
Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Spain bar shootings: Who was Glasgow man Ross Monaghan?
It was inevitable that, as the Lyons family climbed the ladder of organised crime, Monaghan would become a key lieutenant, his relationship with Eddie and Steven said to be 'like that of brothers'. However, while most involved in such high level crime operate under the radar, Monaghan, who grew up just outside Glasgow, found his name in the headlines after he was arrested his late 20s over one of Scotland's most notorious gangland slayings. READ NEXT: Spanish tourists' on Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan shooting READ NEXT: Ex-top cop on catalyst for Scotland's gang war after Spain shootings (Image: Kevin Carroll) In January 2010, Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll, a feared enforcer for the rival Daniel clan, attended a meeting with associates in the carpark of the Asda superstore in Robroyston, Glasgow. There, he met drug dealer Stephen Glen, who was linked to the Lyons family and, a court later heard, Carroll told him: 'You're working for me now. Anybody that doesn't fall into line is going to get banged.' The Gerbil was then sitting in the back of a black Audi A3 in the supermarket carpark when a Volkswagen Golf swerved to a halt in front of the vehicle as horrified shoppers looked on. Two masked men emerged from the Golf and opened fire, through the passenger windows, with Carroll shot 13 times in the head and chest in an attack that lasted 25 seconds. Despite the murder being one of the most audacious and outrageous gangland hits ever carried out in Scotland, the police initially met with a wall of silence. But eight months after the shooting, 2010 Monaghan was arrested. His partner would give birth to their daughter just 10 days later. READ NEXT: Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll: Eleventh anniversary of gangland figure murder READ NEXT: The Glasgow crime story of Jamie Daniel READ NEXT: The Glasgow crime story of the murder bid on Steven Bonzo Daniel (Image: Ross Monaghan) Monaghan spent six months on remand in Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie charged with Carroll's murder and, such was the was the escalation in hostilities even then, detectives visited the prison to issue him with a threat to life warning. The so-called Osman Warnings, named after a London shooting victim, are only issued when police intelligence suggests an individual faces a credible threat to their life. The murder trial followed, only for Monaghan to be sensationally acquitted in May 2012 after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict him. At the time Monaghan said: 'It's been a nightmare. I'm glad to get this over. I've always said it was nothing to do with me.' (Image: Billy Paterson Police Scotland) Another Lyons clan associate, Billy Paterson, 45, was convicted of the killing in 2015 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. (Image: Police after Penilee shooting on Ross Monaghan) (Image: Police after Penilee shooting on Ross Monaghan) (Image: Police after Penilee shooting on Ross Monaghan) (Image: Forensic officers after Penilee shooting on Ross Monaghan) Two years after that, Monaghan was shot in the shoulder outside a Glasgow primary school after dropping his child off. The gunman was pushing a child's buggy when he opened fire on Muirdykes Road in Penilee. Monaghan, then 35, was discharged from hospital after treatment for a shoulder wound. Police spoke of their disgust at the shooting being carried out next to a busy nursery and two associates of the Daniel clan were charged. Both would be cleared of the attack at a trial but were later convicted for other organised crime offences. Monaghan, 43, is believed to have moved to Spain a couple of years after the school shooting, and is understood to have become involved in business interests in the Costa del Sol, including the pub on the beachfront bearing his name. It would be the location where, alongside decades-long friend Eddie Lyons jnr, he would meet a merciless end on Saturday night.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Criminals allowed to watch X-rated and violent films from the comfort of their jail cells
Scotland's most hardened criminals are being allowed to watch X-rated films and TV shows featuring extreme criminal activity, sex and drug use from the comfort of their cells Amid an 'epidemic' of violence behind bars, inmates at one of the country's toughest jails, HMP Barlinnie, are free to rent from a range of thousands of 18+ DVDs, which include films about serial killers and sexual deviants. That is despite such X-rated films and videos being outlawed in English jails since 2013. A list of movies available to prisoners, obtained via freedom of information laws, include titles such as Saw, Silence of the Lambs and American TV show Dexter, about a police forensic officer who kills criminals in his free time. Inmates can also watch TV shows about real-life child killers Fred and Rose West, Myra Hindley and Beverley Allitt, as well as highly sexualised content including Fifty Shades of Grey, Brokeback Mountain and American Pie. Shockingly, US TV series Prison Break – about two brothers hatching a complex plan to break free from jail – is also available to watch. Prison officers have now demanded that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) review access to the material amid fears it could heighten tensions behind bars. It comes after it was revealed that there have been more than 250 assaults on prison staff on average each year over the past decade. Earlier this month, the High Court in Edinburgh heard that convicted murderer Robert Paterson plotted to have a guard at HMP Saughton 'seriously assaulted' with a handgun. A spokesman for the Prison Officer's Association said: 'Given all the factors such as overcrowding, drug use, bullying and organised crime gang activities inside our prisons, the last thing we need is anything else adding to the tension or temperatures. 'It is something that the SPS should be reviewing as a priority with a view to limiting the availability of these films.' However, the Scottish Conservatives went further and demanded that SNP ministers intervene to force the SPS to remove the films. Justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: 'Ordinary Scots will be appalled that inmates are being provided with X-rated movies. 'England and Wales banned 18-rated movies and TV shows from their prisons 12 years ago and it is about time the Scottish Prison Service followed suit. 'Many of the prisoners at Barlinnie will be behind bars for violent crimes, so it is common sense that they should not be able to access graphically violent material about serial killers and torturers.' He added: 'Prisoners trying to get clean will also not be helped by having access to content that promotes drug use. 'SNP ministers must intervene and immediately direct the SPS to remove violent or sexual films.' The SPS was asked by the Tories to provide a full list of the films, TV shows and games that prisoners had access to in Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie. Thousands of titles were revealed, of all different certifications, including many that appear to be highly inappropriate for a rehabilitative environment. Those featuring graphic violence and torture include Silence of the Lambs, about a serial killer who preys on women, as well as the Saw horror franchise, another film about a serial killer, who tortures his victims. Dexter, Blade, Deadpool, Kill Bill and the Exorcist are also available as well as shows with graphic and disturbing sexual content. These include Taxi Driver, about a 12-year-old child who is forced into sex work. Other films and TV series that may be seen to promote criminal activity and drug use include Scarface, The Wire, Narcos, Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad, Prison Break and Peaky Blinders. In 2013, former Conservative Justice Minister Chris Grayling cracked down on the availability of such films and TV shows in prisons in England and Wales. A spokeswoman for the SPS said: 'Access to watching DVDs is a privilege not a right, and is available at the discretion of the Governor.'
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Violent thug set to star in BBC documentary jailed over horror domestic abuse campaign
It was claimed that the trial was delayed as he missed a meeting with social workers due to taking part in the show 'COMPLETELY DISGUSTED' Violent thug set to star in BBC documentary jailed over horror domestic abuse campaign Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A THUG who is set to feature in a BBC documentary about life in Barlinnie prison has been jailed for 17 months. Andrew Cunningham, 36, subjected his ex-girlfriend to a vicious campaign of abuse at a property in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 HMP Barlinnie is the subject of a BBC Documentary with inmates being filmed Credit: PA 3 Cunningham was sentenced to 17 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court Credit: Les Gallagher His offending stretched between March 2022 and February last year and also saw him threaten his victim about testifying against him. She had blasted him for taking part in the documentary that is understood to depict the reality of life behind the bars of Scotland's infamous prison which is dubbed 'The Big Hoose'. The woman had earlier hit out after it was claimed he had caused delays in previous court dates after he missed a meeting with social workers due to taking part in the show. She said: "When I heard about the documentary I was completely disgusted. "I think it's shocking a convicted domestic abuser who is on remand is being given a platform." Cunningham was today jailed at Hamilton Sheriff Court by Sheriff John Hamilton KC who also banned him from contacting his victim for 15 years. 3 The second series of the documentary at Barlinnie is currently being filmed Credit: Getty Ruth Wallace, defending, said Cunningham had taken part in the document but had not prioritised it over court commitments. She said: "While it was the case there was this documentary, he was working as a prison mentor and they requested that remanded prisoners be filmed rather than those serving a sentence. "He did not take part in the documentary rather than do the social work report, he made himself available and knows the importance of the social work report. "He accepts full responsibility for his behaviour and is truly appalled and the words he used to me were that it was truly disgusting behaviour and that there is not a day passes when he is not sorry." First convicts leave Barlinnie after Scottish Government release 360 prisoners early due to overcrowding Sheriff Hamilton said: "The conduct in this indictment is truly appalling. "It was a prolonged two year period of controlling, coercive and violent behaviour and involved threatening her with weapons, controlling someone with weapons, spitting, threats to her family and it's clear from her victim impact statement that you made her life a misery. "You must have known the effect of your conduct." The BBC previously said that they take their duty of care seriously, make a point to contact victims ahead of any broadcast and said filmed interviews do not always make the final edit. A spokesperson added: "The timing of the sentencing is a matter for the court. "The filming for this documentary had no impact on this and it is categorically untrue to suggest otherwise."
Times
12-05-2025
- Times
Larger than life, ‘a bit crazy'… welcome to Duncan Ferguson's world
Outside it is gorgeous. The evening sun bathes the luxury hotel and golf course in shimmering colours. Birds are singing and couples are out on a leisurely stroll, drinks in hand. It is all a picture of soothing tranquility. Inside, Duncan Ferguson is explaining that drinking shampoo is the best way to quickly make yourself vomit. He is talking about his days moving drugs, too — albeit only three yards from one side of a prison cell to the other — and of the chilling welcoming committee which convened when he faced his first night in Glasgow's infamous jail. Only 19 miles separate HMP Barlinnie and the five-star Mar Hall hotel where he is now holding court. Nearly 30 years separate them too, in Ferguson's
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow prison officers get prestigious royal award
Officers Kevin Carberry of HMP Low Moss and Charlie Ross from HMP Barlinnie were commended by Princess Anne during this year's Butler Trust Awards. The event recognises the extraordinary work of prison, probation and youth justice workers. Kevin Carberry was honoured for his inspirational work in supporting inmates in their recovery journeys. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) READ NEXT: 'They treat us like human beings': Prisoners praise recovery cafe Having worked at the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) for 11 years, he recently became a recovery officer and the driving force behind the Bishopbriggs facility's Small Beans Cafe, a therapeutic space dedicated to supporting the men. Employees work with partners such as Cocaine Anonymous, We Are With You, Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous, the Scottish Recovery Consortium and many others to help more than 100 prisoners who attend sessions every week. One participant said: 'I was in a really bad place before the start-up of the Recovery Cafe. "I would self-harm regularly, had a really strained relationship with my mum and thought life wasn't worth living. "Attending the Recovery Cafe has been a lifeline for me. I have stopped cutting myself and thanks to Kevin's intervention, I now have a great relationship with my mum. "Kevin has a heart of gold, really listens to what you have to say and goes out of his way to help you. I can't speak highly enough of him; he's changed my life. "I have been in and out of prison for 17 years and I have never met anyone like Kevin. He deserves recognition for what he is doing.' (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) READ NEXT: HMP Barlinnie launches world-first fathering programme Charlie Ross, who works at Barlinnie, was commended for leading the delivery of Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids, a parenting programme designed to improve relationships and healthy behaviours in fathers and their children. The East End jail was the first to deliver this program internationally, after the former physical education instructor adapted it to a custody setting. Since its launch in December 2023, the successful initiative has been holding weekly sessions focusing on topics such as the importance of being a dad, raising healthy kids and positive parenting. Children are also joined by their parents for activity sessions and enjoy a meal together. Charlie Ross with Princess Anne (Image: Supplied) Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids prorgam (Image: Scottish Prison Service) (Image: Scottish Prison Service) (Image: Scottish Prison Service) One prisoner said: "Charlie was amazing with my children on the course, going out of his way to make them feel secure, wanted and showed them loads of skills in the gym. "My kids would ask for him the second they came in and especially my daughter loved him. He made me feel human and broke the divide between prisoner and officer.' The recipient, who has been with SPS for 36 years, said: 'It was a real honour to meet Princess Anne and a bigger surprise was being in the same room as the King, who doesn't normally attend this award, but had made a guest appearance. "The whole event was very special for me and my wife, who was there as a guest with me. I have met some really good people during my experience, whom I will definitely continue to network with."
