Tackling threat, harm and risk

Convictions following serious incidents in the west of Scotland
In February, three men were convicted following a number of serious incidents across the west of Scotland, including the murders of Gary More and Rafal Lyko. Barry Harvey (35), Thomas Guthrie (28) and Darren Owen (23) all appeared in the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, 20 February, 2024, following a trial which lasted 15 weeks.
This was a very challenging investigation which spanned five years. Similarities in the criminal tradecraft for each of the separate incidents were identified which resulted in them being investigated and reported to prosecutors under a single operation. The identification of this pattern of behaviour ultimately culminated in the convictions.
Although these were all targeted attacks, these individuals showed no regard for the communities and families affected. These convictions show those intent on committing crime that no matter how much preparation you make, how many steps you take to frustrate an investigation, or how long it has been since the crime has been committed, that we will not give up and I thank everyone who contributed to this significant outcome.

Murder of Brian Maley – conviction
Earlier this month people were jailed having previously pleaded guilty to the murder of 52-year-old Brian Maley in Glasgow in February 2022.
James Houston (35), Maria Gardiner (47) and Michael Anderson (40) appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 4 March, and were each sentenced to 18 years in jail.
Brian was a father and grandfather and the offenders showed an utter disregard for his life. I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.

Operation Aversa
On Tuesday, 27 March, John O'Flaherty (67) was sentenced to an Order of Lifelong Restriction, with a minimum punishment part of five-years in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely for various sexual offences against women and girls in Edinburgh during the 1980s and 1990s.
O'Flaherty is the latest individual to be convicted as part of Operation Aversa, a major public protection investigation into the sexual abuse of young and vulnerable people in Edinburgh. The convictions secured as part of Operation Aversa underline our ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable people from harm and abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Drugs recoveries – Ayr and Glasgow
On Tuesday, 20 February, a cannabis cultivation with an estimated value of around £920,000 was discovered in a disused shop in Ayr.
Later that same week, on Thursday 22 February, drugs with an estimated street value of £108,000, and cash totalling £25,000 were recovered in a pre-planned operation which took place in Glasgow.
Three men, aged 24, 32 and 35, were arrested and charged in connection with that find and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court the following day.
These separate operations underline our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.