Latest news with #McCartney
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
The Beatles and their disruptive trip to India: The ‘Transcendental Meditation' that changed the Abbey Road musicians forever
By any standard, The Beatles will remain one of the biggest, most prolific, controversial, and iconic bands of all time. Remember the pretentious guy from 10th grade who always carried around a small leather diary with him, the old widower uncle on your block growing up, or the inspiring English professor from your American Literature class in college who made you feel like opening up a dead poet's society of your own. They all listened to the Beatles because the band, like a few other phenomena in the world, wasn't just famous or sought after because of their product; it was because of what they represented and how they made you feel when you associated with their identity, for better or for worse. For example, the Cali Cartel exported and controlled just as much cocaine in their heyday, if not more, as the Medellin Cartel did. But you ask a layman who Rodriguez Orejuela was. It's likely they won't be able to give you the right answer. But ask them about Pablo Escobar, and they will recite for you their favourite dialogues from the Narcos series on Netflix (by the way, they made a season about the Cali guys too; no one cared). Yes, a drug lord who killed thousands of people during his reign is somewhat of an unsuitable person to be compared with the Abbey Road quartet, but Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon, together, had a drug-like hold on their listeners. A drug that would make them keep coming back, a drug that made you cool just by association, and let's be honest, The Beatles weren't pumping out album after album, surviving on Earl Grey tea and English muffins. The boys got together in 1962, after the trio of McCartney, Harrison and Lennon finally found the right drummer in Starr. Soon after their first hit, 'Love Me Do', manager Brian Epstein played all the right moves, and through his grooming and moulding process, out came the biggest rock group in the world. They would go on to make 12 studio albums in the short span of 8 years, due to the power of Earl Grey tea and Scouse, of course. ALSO READ: 'P Diddy would rather die than let go of rights to Biggie Smalls' music': How Diddy was at the epicentre of both Tupac and Biggie's death The amount of music they were putting out was almost too much, and say what you will, the guys knew their stuff. Apart from being amazing musicians, Lennon and McCartney were incredible writers, artists who were more susceptible to inspiration and ideas for a bridge than Joseph B. Strauss (he wasn't a musician, just the guy who built the Golden Gate Bridge). Harrison and Starr were expert executioners of their writers' vision, and together they worked hard day and night to earn their place in the Mount Rushmore of music, if not at the peak of Everest. But that kind of schedule, along with the 'calm and sober' lifestyle of a rock star, can be taxing on the body, and soon the street outside Abbey Road Studios became too long a course to chart, and they were exhausted. It was getting difficult keeping up appearances while trying to manage your career, wives, extramarital affairs and dentists serving you coffee laced with LSD, which, considering the 60s, was probably part of the dental plan for musicians. The Beatles needed a break, and Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd, the woman who was described as the modern-day Helen of Troy by LA magazine, suggested 'Transcendental Meditation' to the group. This was a revelation, and without any delay, the Beatles travelled to Rishikesh to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Liverpool to Rishikesh The Beatles had previously met the Maharishi during a lecture in London and a 10-day workshop in Wales (with Mick Jagger by the way), a trip they had to cut short because Epstein suddenly passed away. They were then invited to join him at his main ashram, where the Beatles would end up writing close to 50 songs, with many of them ending up on their next project, 'The White Album'. Even though the Beatles had sold millions of records all over the world and had probably witnessed every comfort known to man, they were taken aback when they reached the Ashram. 14 acres of land consisting of six long bungalows, each containing five or six double rooms, and the rooms were equipped with four-poster beds and an electric fire system. Along with all that, there was a post office, a lecture theatre and a swimming pool. All four of them were now determined to make the most of this trip, and Harrison and Lennon were the most affected by the teachings. After the band met the Maharishi in Wales, they had decided to give up drugs, just like Jimi Hendrix switched to the tambourine after playing the 'Star-Spangled Banner'. Even after this supposed break from drugs, Lennon admitted that he was hallucinating during his time at the Ashram, and his claims were backed by his wife, Cynthia Lennon, who said in Bob Spitz's book The Beatles that Harrison and Lennon had completely accepted the teachings of the Maharishi. However, Starr and McCartney weren't having that much of a jolly time and left soon after a couple of weeks. The band tripped for days, just on meditation apparently, and wrote an entire album while denying a Lord of The Rings movie (story for another time). But as half of the group departed, the other two maybe went too deep. ALSO READ: Frank Sinatra 'facilitated' John F Kennedy's other life, but couldn't outrun his mafia connections: The rise and ruin of their unlikely friendship Boyd, who introduced Harrison to the entire scheme, admitted later on that the teachings had gotten a hold of him, and so had alcohol and drugs. Lennon who was apparently already thinking about bringing his then muse Yoko Ono on the trip along with his wife, asked for separate rooms for him and his wife after just a few days in Rishikesh. Their relationship would never get back to normal, ultimately leading to a divorce. Through the Ashram and his muse, Lennon had shed the skin of the young and innocent Scouser, and the man that emerged wanted to change the world, and his own life with it. He had already been drifting towards politics and activism before Rishikesh, many fans and members of the band accused his relationship with Ono to be one of the reason, they broke up. Lennon admitted later on that the moment he saw Ono was the moment he knew his days with the old gang were over. Soon Lennon and Harrison also left upon discovering the Maharishi's involvement in sexual assault cases, even though it was never proved. But even though the boys were all back in good old England, the distance had already been created. During this very week in 1968, the Beatles started recording 'The White Album' at the Abbey Road Studios, and to the average Joe, it was just another great project. Songs filled to the brim with mystique of the East, songs that brought out a different side of the Beatles, a broken side of the Beatles. The strum of the guitar still blended perfectly with the thrum of the drums, the tempo still intact, and the different voices and harmonies still so seamlessly brought together that they sounded one. But the trip, like perceived by many, wasn't a breather; it was a moment of realisation for all four men that they didn't need to be the greatest band in the world anymore. It was enough, all that they had done, and if the sun had set on the Beatles on the day they released the White Album, it would be alright. They did end up working on another album, but personal turmoils, failing relationships and four broken minds were enough to stop this madness. Seeds of discontent had been sown long before the trip and maybe whatever they experienced in India, just exacerbated the whole situation. All four of the Beatles left their wives following that trip, with McCartney's marriage lasting the longest. The group went their separate ways, and the band was legally disbanded in 1974. Even though they were gone in such a short time, everyone listened to the Beatles. They were probably the first band to be famous enough to be recognised by all, even if many never listened to a single thing they put out. It wasn't about what they sang; it was always about who they were and what they represented, and maybe the pretentious guy from your school whom we talked about earlier isn't all too bad, because no matter who they were and what they did, the Beatles were cool; it's that simple.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why June is the best month to visit St. Thomas
It turns out that the grass actually is greener in St. Thomas—sea turtle grass, that is, for those traveling in June. This sweet spot, after the bustle and beats of carnival season concludes across most of the Caribbean, is both an ecologist's paradise and a deal-hunter's delight. Canopies of fire-red flamboyant flowers blanket the island, complementing the hue of mangoes that hang lush and ripe. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn not only to shore to lay their eggs, but to the shallow-water grasses that serve as their feeding grounds. As summer kicks off, trade winds have died down, meaning novice swimmers, sailors, and snorkelers have calmer waters. St. Thomas is one of the rare destinations where 'shoulder season' actually means sun-kissed shoulders, not an abundance of rain or scorching heat. It is the mid-sized sister of the other U.S. Virgin Islands—a triad that also includes St. John and St. Croix. June is the golden time to spread out a beach blanket—liberally, when the sands aren't crowded—and dine at restaurants that are easier to get into. Much of what's served will be seasonal catches like marlin, bonefish, and tarpon from the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean's slower season means rates at hotels (moderate and luxury alike) are up to half-off what they'd be during early spring and the holidays, making it another reason why June is the best time to visit. Snorkeling It's not unusual to see Virgin Islanders pop open the trunk of their car and pull out snorkel gear for an impromptu dip—it's that easy to spot vibrant fish and marine life at any of the plentiful public beaches year-round. But in June, there are even more chances to luck out with sea turtle sightings. St. Thomas hot-spots include Secret Harbour Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove, where leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles are far from shy. Novice snorkelers will want to check out Brewers Bay, which has less coral to navigate and a sandy bottom with the sea grass that green sea turtles love to eat. Charter a boat CrewZen owner and boat captain Kevin McCartney creates custom itineraries that circumnavigate St. Thomas or go out toward the other U.S. or British Virgin Islands. McCartney often goes to Lovango Resort & Beach Club, where guests can get a day-pass for this private island between St. Thomas and St. John. His other recommendation is to go swimming or snorkeling before visiting Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by boat. (Where to go diving in the Caribbean, from Belize to the Bahamas) Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden Architect Patsy Breunlin has built a hilltop garden filled with the heady scent of lilies and orchids that bend in colorful splendor, ripe for leisurely walks. Wildlife includes lizards, parrots, and peacocks, and it's likely visitors will spot bananaquits, the yellow-bellied birds of the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has twice the duty-free allowance of most Caribbean destinations. Each U.S. citizen (including children) can bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods without paying sales tax. The Creative Native The Creative Native is part art gallery, part history museum. Owner and photographer Ama Dennis, whose family has lived on the triad of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for six generations, welcomes guests with a smile and a signature greeting: 'I don't sell art—I tell stories of the Virgin Islands.' Fish Face The aquatic photography is what started it all at Fish Face, an apparel, jewelry, and photography boutique in Palm Passage courtyard. Co-owners Kris Wall and Carrell "CW" Abbott left their corporate jobs to open the shop in 2008. Since then, they've expanded from Wall's colorful images of parrotfish, seahorses, and octopuses to other art and housewares from creators across the Caribbean. Blue 11 Splurge on a seven-, nine-, or 11-course tasting menu at Blue 11, where chef David 'Benji' Benjamin spotlights what's local and fresh. Bites typically include seared red snapper atop a warm citrus salad, and wahoo with pickled green mango. Or, check out Benji's other more casual restaurant, Indigo 4, for signatures like conch chowder. King of the Wing Festival Although Carnival season has concluded by June, there is one celebration that remains: King of the Wing Festival (June 14, 2025). Amateur and professional cooks compete for all the sweet, savory, and spicy chicken wing glory on the island, with proceeds benefiting local charities. de Frenchtown Bar Plates at the casual bistro are loaded with oxtail, jerk chicken, pulled pork, or pork ribs. Every now and then cornmeal-based fungi (foon-gee) dumplings are featured, and they go quickly. Pizza Pi St. Thomas' sailboat pizzeria is not to be missed. While the slices are divine (try the Peachy Goat with basil and a balsamic glaze), this Christmas Cove hot spot is also a floating bar with frozen cocktail-like concoctions. Locally inspired favorites include the Bushwacker, a piña colada and chocolate milkshake mashup that was invented in St. Thomas. For those who can't resist having a second—or even third—Pizza Pi has shuttle service options. Alloro The balmy temperatures in June are ideal for al fresco dining at Alloro. Cocktail connoisseurs don't want to miss out on the signature martini, featuring Prosecco, cointreau, citrus, and basil grown on-site. Beaches Magens Bay's smooth sands and calm waters are a crowd-pleaser, but for beachfront with more locals than tourists, visit the crystalline waters of Coki Beach. Even novice snorkelers will feel like they're swimming in an aquarium. Dine & Dash Food Tours Exploring like a local is easy when you're with a local. Get a taste of six local specialties—like patés, savory empanada-like hand pies—when you travel from one end of the island to the other with Dine & Dash founder Desireè 'Dez' Wilkes. Expect food for thought along the way, with a rich history lesson that goes back as far as when Wilkes' family made their way to the area when it was still known as Danish West Indies. She always treats guests to a cup of bush tea—an herbal concoction made with lemongrass from her grandmother's garden—but in June, guests can also expect to sip a mango smoothie during the fruit's peak season. (6 of the most scenic places to learn how to sail) Shuttle to St. John If you live on St. Thomas, St. John is your sister island and the ferry your means of transport. It's worth adventuring on a 20-minute, camera-friendly ride over to Cruz Bay, where fixed-rate taxis await to zip visitors to beaches like Trunk Bay or Oppenheimer Beach. Or travel over for The Longboard alone. Chat up the mixologists at the open-air bar during happy hour from 2-4 p.m., when specialty cocktails are just $10. Farmers Market Saturday mornings are for fresh fish, vegetables, and the milk of just-cut coconuts at the Farmers Market. And, for the lucky early birds, a taste of Miss Annette's 'goat water.' This slow-cooked goat stew is available many weekends, but for those who miss it, there's Blue Mango Tours. Guides, like owner Mike Motylinski, can show you where else to find this Caribbean favorite. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Each of the 180 rooms at The Ritz-Carlton have oceanfront views, meaning you're just steps from the water. Splash in the waves before making your own at the new family pool with a waterslide. Although The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort, there are a number of new casual additions in line with St. Thomas' island vibe, including flip-flop friendly Sails Beachside Restaurant & Bar, and Southwind grab-and-go coffee shop. The Pink Palm Hotel The Pink Palm's 28 rooms—decorated in rich green, sandy white, and seashell pink tones—offer up an adults-only enclave perched high on a hillside in the heart of U.S. Virgin Islands capital Charlotte Amalie. That means guests are in the center of the action for dining and nightlife, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The Hideaway at Hull Bay This hotel's secluded beachfront is far from a traditional hotel experience thanks to its airy, spacious cottages (eight) and villas (two). But the biodiversity spread across two acres is just as much a feast for the eyes as the foodie. Farm-to-table fare at Hideaway Dining rotates daily, with freshly harvested potatoes, eggplant, and herbs grown on-site. Or visit The Shack next door, with casual fare like fish tacos and burgers served with a side of live entertainment most nights. Carley Thornell is a Boston-based Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who's been to 60-plus countries. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Afar, Robb Report, Skift, Global Traveler, OpenTable, USA Today, and many other publications. Her beats (and passions) include sustainability, diversity and accessibility, epicurean delights, luxury travel, and—most recently with the addition of her son—family travel.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
McCartney prepares for World Aquatics Championships in Singapore
Enniskillen's Ellie McCartney has been selected to represent Ireland at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, joining an impressive 12-strong team that includes Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen and fellow Olympic medallist Mona McSharry. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 20-year-old National Centre Limerick swimmer, who earned her place on the team following her outstanding performances at the Irish Open Championships where she set a championship record in the 200m Breaststroke with a time of 2:24.35. McCartney joins an exciting blend of experienced athletes and emerging talent, with Swim Ireland naming several promising young swimmers alongside established stars like European Champion Danielle Hill and Olympic semi-finalist Tom Fannon. The team will be looking to build on Ireland's historic three-medal haul from the Paris Olympics. McCartney's preparation for Singapore continued with impressive performances at the prestigious Mare Nostrum Swim Tour, competing across venues in Barcelona and Canet-en-Roussillon. The international competition provided crucial race experience against world-class opposition ahead of the World Championships. In her first outing, McCartney qualified to both the 100m Breaststroke B Final (1:08.05) and 200m Individual Medley B Final (2:14.94), using the competition as valuable preparation for her upcoming international commitments. Her standout performance came in the 200m Breaststroke, where she demonstrated remarkable improvement throughout the competition. After clocking 2:28.18 in the heats, McCartney returned for the A final and delivered a stunning 2:25.46, narrowly missing the podium in fourth place but showing the kind of form that earned her World Championship selection. The final leg of the Mare Nostrum tour saw McCartney continue to excel. She qualified for the 100m Breaststroke A Final, recording 1:08.44 to finish sixth in a highly competitive field. Her crowning achievement came in the 200m Breaststroke Final, where McCartney claimed bronze with a time of 2:24.55, finishing just 0.3 seconds behind silver. Remarkably, the final featured at least three Olympians and a Commonwealth swimmer, underlining the quality of competition McCartney is now competing against at the highest level. McCartney's selection for the World Championships caps off a remarkable rise that has seen her become Ireland's second-fastest ever female breaststroke swimmer in both the 100m and 200m events. Her times now place her in the world's top twenty-five rankings for 2025 in the 200m Breaststroke. The busy summer schedule ahead includes the European Aquatics U23 Championships, where McCartney will look to build further on her recent success before heading to Singapore for the World Championships. Her progression from promising junior to world-class competitor has been remarkable, and she enters these major competitions with genuine medal prospects. Team Ireland's World Championships squad reflects the current strength of Irish swimming, with athletes spanning different generations and specialities. As Daniel Wiffen looks to defend his 800m and 1500m Freestyle world titles won in Doha 2024, McCartney represents the exciting future of Irish swimming on the world stage. The continued support from local sponsors Encirc and Balcas, as well as Sport NI & Sport Ireland, has been instrumental in McCartney's development, enabling her to compete at this elite level and represent both her local community and Ireland with distinction.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Knife killer who stabbed Scots teen, 18, to death then dumped murder weapon in King's official residence jailed for life
The evil killer was taking party drug ketamine before the attack BLADE MONSTER CAGED Knife killer who stabbed Scots teen, 18, to death then dumped murder weapon in King's official residence jailed for life Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A KILLER who knifed a teenager to death before hiding the murder weapon in the grounds of the King's official residence in Edinburgh was jailed for life today. Bailey Dowling was ordered to serve 15 years in jail before he is eligible to apply for release after murdering Lewis McCartney in a street attack in the city. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Bailey Dowling knifed a teen to death before hiding the weapon Credit: Police Scotland A judge told Dowling, 21, at the High Court in Edinburgh that his victim had "everything to live for" and his loss was devastating for family and friends. Lord Matthews said Mr McCartney (18) was "robbed" of the future that lay ahead of him following the fatal attack on him. He told Dowling: "It is clear you came to Edinburgh for what you hoped would be an enjoyable time and so it would have been but for the decisions you made." Londoner Dowling armed himself with a knife before he left a flat to meet a group, which included Mr McCartney, prior to the fatal violence erupting when he stabbed the teenager in the back. The judge told him: "Taking a knife into the street is never acceptable." He told Dowling that the 15 year punishment part of the life sentence imposed on him was shorter than it would have been had he reached the age of 25. Dowling left Edinburgh after the murder on February 12 in 2023 at Viewcraig Street and fled south to his home city where he later handed himself in to police. Before he left Edinburgh he abandoned the murder weapon in the grounds of Holyrood Palace at the foot of the Royal Mile. Dowling, who was aged 19 at the time of the attack, had denied murdering his victim during an earlier trial by striking him on the body with the knife and claimed he acted in self-defence after he was struck with a bottle. But Dowling was convicted of the crime of murder and a further charge of unlawful possession of an offensive weapon. Supercar dealer's drill vid lyrics hail murdered bruv amid 'Dubai ties' claims to turf war hood Following the verdict, advocate depute Alex Prentice KC said a statement was prepared by the victim's family which indicated the depth of feeling and strong, continuing sense of loss as a result of the tragic death. The court heard that Dowling, from Thamesmead, in London, had travelled north to meet up with a friend and they later joined a woman at her flat in the Dumbiedykes area of Edinburgh where the drug ketamine was taken. Mr McCartney arrived at the flat with others although they later left. When they returned Dowling went through to the kitchen and got a large knife before going outside to meet them. Efforts were made to persuade him to leave the weapon but he said: "I am not going downstairs without it. They just said they robbed somebody." He was later told there was no robbery. 2 The evil killer wore black during his appearance at the High Court in Edinburgh Credit: Alan Simpson Dowling claimed that he did not intend to harm the victim but was trying to get away after he was struck on the head with a bottle by another member of the group. He said: "I was dazed and confused after I was hit and then I took out the knife." He disputed other evidence that he had the knife in his hand before he was struck with the bottle. The occupant of the Dumbiedykes flat, Francesca Palma, 21, later told police that when Dowling returned to her home he looked panicked. She said: "The London guy said 'I just stabbed that Lewis'." He had a knife with blood on it and was told to leave. Dowling disposed of the knife in the palace grounds before catching a bus to Glasgow and travelling to London Euston train station. He went to his mother's home before surrendering to police in London. Dowling's defence counsel Mark Stewart KC said he was a first offender. He told the court: "He did not intend to stab anybody. He accepts the verdict of the jury. He does not agree with the verdict of the jury." A co-accused labourer Benjamin Wilson, 21, of Broomhill Avenue, Burntisland, in Fife, was convicted of assaulting Dowling by striking him on the head with a bottle to his injury on February 12 in 2023 during the incident in Viewcraig Street. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work under a two year community payback order.
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Daily Record
Killer who knifed Scots teen to death then hid murder weapon jailed for life
Lord Matthews said Lewis McCartney was 'robbed' of the future that lay ahead of him after Bailey Dowling's fatal attack on him. A killer who knifed a teenager to death before hiding the murder weapon in the grounds of the King's official residence in Edinburgh was jailed for life today. Bailey Dowling was ordered to serve 15 years in jail before he is eligible to apply for release after murdering Lewis McCartney in a street attack in the city. A judge told Dowling, 21, at the High Court in Edinburgh that his victim had "everything to live for" and his loss was devastating for family and friends. Lord Matthews said Mr McCartney, 18, was "robbed" of the future that lay ahead of him following the fatal attack on him. He told Dowling: "It is clear you came to Edinburgh for what you hoped would be an enjoyable time and so it would have been but for the decisions you made." Londoner Dowling armed himself with a knife before he left a flat to meet a group, which included Mr McCartney, prior to the fatal violence erupting when he stabbed the teenager in the back. The judge told him: "Taking a knife into the street is never acceptable." He told Dowling that the 15 year punishment part of the life sentence imposed on him was shorter than it would have been had he reached the age of 25. Dowling left Edinburgh after the murder on February 12 in 2023 at Viewcraig Street and fled south to his home city where he later handed himself in to police. Before he left Edinburgh he abandoned the murder weapon in the grounds of Holyrood Palace at the foot of the Royal Mile. Dowling, who was aged 19 at the time of the attack, had denied murdering his victim during an earlier trial by striking him on the body with the knife and claimed he acted in self defence after he was struck with a bottle. But Dowling was convicted of the crime of murder and a further charge of unlawful possession of an offensive weapon. Following the verdict advocate depute Alex Prentice KC said a statement was prepared by the victim's family which indicated the depth of feeling and strong, continuing sense of loss as a result of the tragic death. The court heard that Dowling, from Thamesmead, in London, had travelled north to meet up with a friend and they later joined a woman at her flat in the Dumbiedykes area of Edinburgh where the drug ketamine was taken. Mr McCartney arrived at the flat with others although they later left. When they returned Dowling went through to the kitchen and got a large knife before going outside to meet them. Efforts were made to persuade him to leave the weapon but he said: "I am not going downstairs without it. They just said they robbed somebody." He was later told there was no robbery. Dowling claimed that he did not intend to harm the victim but was trying to get away after he was struck on the head with a bottle by another member of the group. He said: "I was dazed and confused after I was hit and then I took out the knife." He disputed other evidence that he had the knife in his hand before he was struck with the bottle. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The occupant of the Dumbiedykes flat, Francesca Palma, 21, later told police that when Dowling returned to her home he looked panicked. She said: "The London guy said 'I just stabbed that Lewis'." He had a knife with blood on it and was told to leave. Dowling disposed of the knife in the palace grounds before catching a bus to Glasgow and travelling to London Euston train station. He went to his mother's home before surrendering to police in London. Dowling's defence counsel Mark Stewart KC said he was a first offender. He told the court: "He did not intend to stab anybody. He accepts the verdict of the jury. He does not agree with the verdict of the jury." A co-accused labourer Benjamin Wilson, 21, of Broomhill Avenue, Burntisland, in Fife, was convicted of assaulting Dowling by striking him on the head with a bottle to his injury on February 12 in 2023 during the incident in Viewcraig Street. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work under a two year community payback order.
