TACKLING THREAT AND RISK

SERIOUS VIOLENCE INCLUDING HOMICIDE

Since the last meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board on 28 September 2023, there have been 10 murders at various locations across Scotland. Each death is unique, and every investigation presents its own particular challenges. As a national service, along with our partners, we are able to respond consistently to every murder, with empathy and compassion, to provide the best service recognising the lasting impact on the families and in the communities where they occur.

Our professional response to murders and homicide was underlined at the end of October when published figures showed the number of homicides in Scotland to be at the lowest level on record and that each one since the inception of Police Scotland had been solved.

This is great credit to our dedicated murder investigators, our superb forensic science colleagues, and the strong relationship the public has with local policing officers, giving communities confidence to support and assist investigations. I thank everyone who contributes to securing justice and answers for victims and their loved ones.

Significant Convictions

On 25 March 2023, Charles Wilson, aged 40, was discovered with serious injuries at a flat in Tontine Park, Renton, following report of a fire. A murder investigation was initiated resulting in the arrest of Gary Meikle, aged 43, who pled guilty to murder and attempt to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow on 29 September. He was given a life sentence with a minimum imprisonment term of 19-and-a-half years.

On 16 January 2023, Jacqueline Kerr, 54, was found dead in her home at Sunnyside Road, Aberdeen, having sustained a number of serious injuries. On 5 October, Christopher Cook, aged 44, pled guilty to her murder at Aberdeen High Court and was sentenced to a life sentence with a minimum imprisonment term of 20 years.

On 25 October 2023, at Edinburgh High Court, Christopher McGowan, aged 28, was given a life sentence with a minimum of 23 years imprisonment having previously been found guilty of the sustained brutal attack and murder of Claire Inglis in March 2021.

I hope these convictions and sentences bring some comfort to the victims’ families and friends, and our thoughts remain with them.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Violence against women and girls in all its forms has no place in our society. Police Scotland will continue to target those who commit such acts, working with partner agencies across Scotland to support victims.

Significant Convictions

On 11 October 2023, Stewart Braisher, aged 33, was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court to 12 years (nine years imprisonment, three years extended) having been found guilty of seven violent and sexual offences against four women over a 15 year period between 2005 and 2020.

Non-Harassment Orders (NHOs) were granted for all victims for indefinite periods and Stewart Braisher will be subject to notification requirements for an indefinite period.

On 11 October 2023, Kevin Hamilton, aged 35, was sentenced at Glasgow High Court to seven years’ imprisonment having been found guilty of five violent offences against two women over an 11 year period between 2011 and 2022.

On 26 October 2023, Stuart Watt, aged 43, was convicted at Edinburgh High Court of violent and sexual crimes against a female adult and a female child. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment, two years extended sentence and a 99 year NHO.

On 27 October 2023, Barry Taylor, aged 55, was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court to seven years with seven year NHOs for all victims, having been found guilty of five violent offences against three women over a 12 year period between 2009 and 2021.

These crimes have had a profound impact on the lives of all those involved and these convictions send a strong message as to the consequences perpetrators will face. We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and will use all available resources to detect offenders.

COUNTY LINES

As previously reported County Lines is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries (although not exclusively), usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs. The County Line is the mobile phone line used to take the order of drugs.

Between 9 and 15 October 2023, Police Scotland engaged in activity focusing on vulnerability, safeguarding and enforcement.

A number of addresses believed to be used for cuckooing (a practice where people take over a person’s home and use it to facilitate exploitation) were visited, with measures safeguarding 17 vulnerable people subsequently implemented.

Additionally, 25 people were arrested for a variety of offences. Drugs including cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis, and tablets, with an estimated street value of over £313,000 were seized along with over £220,000 in cash.

Police Scotland continue to work in collaboration with the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) and other forces, to protect juveniles across different force areas.