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Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Three men to stand trial over brutal 2002 murder of Glasgow man Darren Birt
Darren Birt was found in the street seriously injured in August 2002, and later died in hospital. Three suspects are to stand trial charged with the murder of a man more than 20 years ago. Malcolm Kelt, 52, Alan Colvan, 42, and Marc Harris, 39, are accused of killing Darren Birt in Glasgow's Barlanark on August 28 2002. Darren, 22, was found lying on the road in Calvay Place, Barlanark, with wounds in the early hours and was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but died from his injuries a short time later It is initially claimed the three accused shouted and threaten the 22-year-old as well as chase after him and hit him with a bottle. Prosecutors claim he was then repeatedly attacked on the head and body with a knife or knives. The murder charge also states Mr Birt was struck with a hammer or similar weapon. The trio are finally said to have punched and kicked the man. It is further claimed they did previously display"malice and ill-will" towards him. Kelt, Colvan and Harris face a separate allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice. This includes an accusation that they got rid of weapons used in the murder. It is also claimed the trio changed their clothes and told a named man to wash the items. The indictment claims this was all done in a bid to avoid "detection, arrest and prosecution" for the alleged killing. This charge lists a number of different addresses in Barlanark. The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today. Defence KCs Murray Macara, Donald Findlay and Tony Graham pled not guilty on behalf of each of the suspects. The lawyers along with prosecutor Alex Prentice KC agreed a trial could set. A continued preliminary hearing will take place in October this year at the High Court in Edinburgh after several legal issues were raised. Mr Findlay said: "In cold cases, there will be particular issues that arise which are particular to this type of case. "I have been in constant discussions as there are various matters. "The advocate depute knows what I need to resolve and knows what I need from him." 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'. A possible special defence may also be lodged by Mr Findlay in due course. He said: "This is causing a little difficulty due to a trial from all these years." Mr Prentice stated that the Crown will mostly rely on CCTV and witness accounts. Lord Mulholland went on to fix a trial and it is scheduled to begin in October next year at the High Court in Glasgow. The case could last 16 days. A senior detective also appeared on BBC's Crimewatch morning show.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Edinburgh trams: Consultation to help decide route of North-South tramline will launch on August 25
A 12-week public consultation on Edinburgh's proposed North-South tramline will be launched on August 25. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It will help to decide the controversial issue of which route the new line should follow from Granton to the city centre - using the former railway, now cycle route Roseburn Path; or plotting a new route via Orchard Brae. The line will run from Granton through the city centre - using the existing tramline - and the up the North Bridge / South Bridge corridor to the Royal Infirmary, the BioQuarter and beyond. Scottish Government funding would be needed to allow the project to go ahead. Campaigners don't want to lose the Roseburn Path. Picture: Lisa Ferguson. | LISA FERGUSON Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The main debate, however, has focused on the Roseburn Path versus Orchard Brae controversy. The council says the consultation will 'inform the development of a Strategic Business Case' for the expansion of the trams, which will then be presented to the council's transport and environment committee next year. When the original tram scheme was drawn up, the route planned for the Granton section of the line was along the Roseburn Path. But it has since become firmly established as a popular green corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. Campaigners say it is an invaluable space whose loss could threaten the future of the city's entire network of cycle paths. The alternative of an on-road route via Orchard Brae emerged in late 2022. It was said to have the benefits of providing good connections for the retail park at Craigleith and, more importantly, the Western General Hospital. But the trams would have to cross over Dean Bridge, which is seen as a major engineering challenge. A variation on the Roseburn Path route would see the tramline detour from the Roseburn Path and go along Telford Road for a bit, to get nearer to the Western General. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In early 2024, officials recommended Roseburn Path as the "preferred route". But councillors at the transport and environment committee said they had been inundated with protests over the loss of the cycle path and it was agreed both options should go out for consultation. At a public meeting in June 2024, former transport convener Lesley Hinds argued the Roseburn Path should be the route because it would give better journey times and reliability, mean quicker construction, with less impact on businesses and residents and avoid problems with underground utility pipes and cables. But Euan Baxter, of the Save Roseburn Path campaign, said the loss of Roseburn Path as a green corridor would be devastating for residents, wildlife and climate change. He claimed the the Orchard Brae option was the best route for the tram because it served a larger catchment area, was better for social inclusion and would 'take more people on more journeys'. If the Roseburn route is chosen, there would be a footpath alongside the tram track, while segregated cycling would be provided on Queensferry Road and Orchard Brae. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said: 'I'm pleased to have reached such an important stage in the project – and I look forward to hearing the public's views on our plans when the consultation opens later this month. 'Extending our hugely popular and multi award-winning tram service to the north and south of the city – and potentially beyond – would bring huge social, economic and environmental benefits, while helping us to face the challenges of the future.' The consultation will start on Monday 25 August 2025 and run for 12 weeks, finishing on Monday 17 November 2025. It will be hosted on the council's consultation hub.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Edinburgh councillor reassures residents after 'unprecedented' police incident
An Edinburgh city councillor has reassured residents after an "unprecedented event" shook her constituency. Cllr Marie-Clair Munro issued a statement after armed police swarmed a residential street in Morningside around 7.50pm on Friday, August 1. The event took place on Comiston Terrace and saw a 53-year-old man arrested. Due to the "nature of the initial call" armed officers were deployed, according to Police Scotland. READ MORE: Edinburgh man hospitalised after armed officers swarm residential street READ MORE: Edinburgh drivers urged to 'use caution' ahead of huge Queensferry Crossing queues He was transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for assessment and remains in care of staff at the hospital. He awaits a report to the Procurator Fiscal. Councillor Munro reassured residents following the ordeal, acknowledging the "serious" and "unprecedented" nature of the incident for the community. She said: "I want to address the serious incident that occurred in our area last night. While I was closely informed about the situation as it developed, I want to acknowledge that this is an unprecedented event for our community. "I would like to reassure all residents that the emergency services responded swiftly and effectively to the situation. "A man has been arrested, and the authorities are continuing their investigations. The safety and well-being of our residents remains my top priority, and I will continue to work closely with the emergency services to ensure that our community remains safe. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation." A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.50pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, police attended an address in Comiston Terrace, Edinburgh, following a concern for person. "A 53-year-old man was subsequently arrested by police and will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal. The man has been taken to hospital for assessment and remains in the care of staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. "No one was injured during the incident. Due to the nature of the initial call, armed officers were deployed to the incident." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
First picture of driver who died in M9 crash with passenger in Edinburgh hospital
A driver who died in a crash on the M9 has been named — as the passenger remains in an Edinburgh hospital. Jamie Johnstone, 37, was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa when he was involved in a collision between junctions six and seven near Carronshore on July 9. The passenger, a 32-year-old male, is in a 'stable condition' at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Police have said enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and have urged anyone who may have information that could help to get in touch. READ MORE: Edinburgh passengers 'left at platform' as 'packed' train arrives with two carriages READ MORE: Thousands of Edinburgh sun worshipers descend on popular beach during heatwave Jamie's family have released the following statement via Police Scotland: "As a family are absolutely heartbroken. Jamie was a beloved son and brother, devoted father and dear friend to many. "A huge hole in our hearts and lives is left behind as we begin to navigate life without him. He was a lovable and unforgettable character who lived life to the fullest and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "We would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the emergency services who were at the scene and who have assisted us through this tragic situation." Road Policing Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick said: "Our thoughts remain with Jamie's family and friends at this extremely difficult time. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash and I'd again appeal to anyone with information to come forward. "Were you on the M9 around the time? Did you see the vehicle or what happened? Do you have dash-cam footage of significance? If so, please contact police." Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 quoting incident number 0427 of July 9.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Murderer is jailed for ten years for 'revenge' plot on prison guard who delayed sending him to hospital when he swallowed seven bags of cocaine
A convicted murderer who plotted a vengeful gun attack on a prison guard has been given a sentence of more than 10 years. Robert Paterson, 45, planned the attack in an act of 'revenge', believing the officer at HMP Edinburgh had put his life at risk with a delay in sending him to hospital after he swallowed seven bags of cocaine. The plot was foiled when police eavesdropped on conversations Paterson was having about the plan through 'covert' surveillance equipment they had installed in his cell in early 2023. At a sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh today, judge Lord Harrower explained the origins of Paterson's 'animus' towards the officer. The judge said that shortly before 2am on November 15 2022, the officer heard Paterson 'scream he was having a heart attack' from inside his cell and 'demanded' he be taken to hospital. He said the officer had seen Paterson swallowing a SIM card just removed from a mobile phone and staff at the prison were surprised to see an ambulance arrive when none of them had ordered it. Paterson's 'vital signs' were deemed healthy so he was kept in prison under observation for a few hours, before being taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh shortly before 8am. Lord Harrower added the officer had been 'aware' of an attempt by Paterson to escape when admitted to hospital in 2012. But the judge said there was no indication the episode had been 'another attempt' to break out of jail. Once at hospital Paterson was given a CT scan, and underwent surgery to remove seven plastic bags of cocaine from his stomach. The judge told Paterson that following his return to prison he began to 'seek revenge' against the officer, believing he had been the cause of an 'unnecessary delay' in sending him to hospital. He set about obtaining a handgun and ammunition, and 'identified an individual who was prepared to carry out an assault' in return for 'drugs or money', as well as talking about procuring a vehicle and driver to be used in the assault. Thanks to the surveillance equipment police had installed in Paterson's cell, police got wind of the plan and 'intervened before an assault had been attempted'. Lord Harrower told Paterson: 'It is clear your proper purpose was conspiring to commit a serious crime.' Paterson's advocate Thomas Ross KC earlier told the court his client had reacted after deeming 'the manner in which the medical emergency was handled increased the risk of a fatal outcome'. On May 2 this year, Paterson pleaded guilty to directing others to carry out an assault, and obtaining for that purpose a handgun, ammunition and a vehicle. He also admitted directing and arranging the supply of drugs, and to directing others to steal drugs, watches and money. He is currently serving a life sentence for murder and is not due to become eligible for parole until 2027. Lord Harrower sentenced Paterson to 10 and a half years in prison for his latest offending, with the sentence to begin immediately. Paterson, who appeared in court dressed in a pale brown fleece, showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down, before nodding and waving to people in the public gallery as he was led away. Paterson had been given life behind bars for shooting dead Ronald Dougan in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, in 2008 - and in 2012 had another three years added to his sentence following the foiled escape plan. Speaking after the latest sentencing hearing, Scottish Prison Service chief executive Teresa Medhurst said: 'We welcome the significant custodial sentences passed today at Edinburgh High Court. 'As Lord Harrower rightly identified, the officer in this case acted 'entirely appropriately' and it is completely unacceptable that he, or any other member of SPS staff, be targeted in this way. 'The safety of our staff is absolutely paramount. We will continue to work closely with partners across the justice sector, to ensure that all necessary action is taken to protect those who play a vital role in keeping Scotland safe.'
