Paralysed victims fury at Celtic player Ryan Caird knife crime

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http://news.stv.tv/scotland/295491-parents-of-murdered-student-take-knife-crime-campaign-to-scottish-government/

The family of a Lanarkshire teenager who was stabbed to death have met with Scotland's top law officer and the Justice Secretary in a bid to change the law on knife crime.

Reamonn Gormley, 19, was murdered in February 2011 as he walked home from watching a football match at a pub.

Daryn Maxwell, 23, who stabbed the student three times for refusing to hand over his wallet and mobile phone in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years’ imprisonment in December 2011.

Mr Gormley’s parents Jim and Ann are campaigning for new legislation to allow judges to impose tougher sentences on knife criminals. They have met with the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to secure their support for changes to the rules to allow judges to hand down consecutive sentences for blade offences.

At present, people convicted of multiple knife crimes can receive a concurrent sentence that sees them serve all of their sentences at the same time. Consecutive sentences run successively meaning the prisoner spends longer in jail.

Mr Gormley’s aunt Anne-Marie McKay told a newspaper: “We are just an ordinary family who felt we had a moral duty to raise this because of the incredible pain we feel. Reamonn didn’t do anything to invite or cause his death. We want the law fixed so people who habitually carry knives know they will face serious sentences.”

In a letter to the Gormley family, the Lord Advocate said: “We discussed the inability of judges to impose a consecutive sentence on an accused who has been released on licence under the existing legislation and this has also been raised with justice officials at the Scottish Government to consider a change in the law to allow consecutive sentencing to be imposed in these circumstances.”

Prior to the murder, Maxwell had been jailed for a knife offence and then given a concurrent sentence when he was later found in possession of a knife while in prison.

The Gormely family believes that, had Maxwell received a consecutive sentence, he would have been in prison and unable to kill their son. Their campaign also calls for mandatory custody with no bail for frequent knife criminals, for knife crime to be punished as an aggravated offence, and for the establishment of a sentencing quango to ensure tougher punishments.

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http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/victims-father-decries-knife-crime-crackdown.19518831

Jim Gormley, whose 19-year-old son was stabbed to death in Blantyre last year, said an announcement that the maximum sentence for carrying a knife is to increase by one year to five years will do little to deter habitual criminals.

He also hit out at an announcement by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that amendments will be made to existing legislation making it clearer to sheriffs and judges they have the power to impose a consecutive sentence on offenders who commit crimes after being released early from prison.

The changes, which will clarify the powers available to the judiciary, are aimed at ensuring more offenders complete their original sentence before starting a new one, rather than serving them concurrently.

Mr Gormley said it "beggared belief" that the legislation to do this is already in place but is not fully understood or being fully implemented.

He said: "To me, MacAskill is just paying lip service here. If they were really serious about tackling knife crime then they would introduce measures to really make people think before they carry a knife. For habitual criminals and people like Daryn Maxwell, who murdered my son, they'll not be put off by another year. It really makes no difference to them.

"And this is only a maximum sentence – how many people are actually given the maximum sentence?"

Mr Gormley added: "As for clarifying legislation on concurrent sentences, it begs the questions why is it not clear, and exactly how up to speed are our judges if they don't know it's available to them and how to use it?

"To me, concurrent sentencing should be completely scrapped. Why should someone be able to commit two crimes and only serve one sentence?

"We met with Mr MacAskill and the areas we wanted him to look at were the length of different terms in jail, concurrent sentences and bail. We wanted action on bail and accused people being released on bail despite having numerous previous convictions or outstanding cases, but as far as I'm aware nothing has been done on this."

A Government spokesman said existing legislation on concurrent sentences was old and in need of updating, something the Government was already looking at.

The maximum sentence for carrying a knife in city centre areas increased from one year to four in April this year in response to calls from the Gormleys and other campaigners.

Mr MacAskill announced the latest increase to five years at a Violence Reduction Unit event in Glasgow yesterday.

Celtic player faces charges after being found guilty of carrying a knife

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/celtic-scotland-youth-football-star-2644342

A CELTIC and Scotland starlet spent two nights in a police cell after he was caught carrying a knife in the street.

Ryan Caird, 16, had the four-inch blade in his tracksuit top pocket at 7.40pm one Saturday night in February.

He was searched by police in his home town of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, and spent two nights behind bars
before appearing at the city’s sheriff court.

Last week, he returned to court where he admitted a knife possession charge. He will be sentenced next month.

The highly-rated midfielder plays for Celtic’s under-17s and the Scotland under-16 team.

Last year, he played in four under-16 internationals, including a 1-0 away defeat to England

In an under-15s match against Russia last May, he scored both goals to earn Scotland a draw after trailing 2-0.

The teenager moved from Cathkin Secondary to St Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch, who have a partnership with Celtic.

Players considered “elite” are moved to be taught there and train at the club’s nearby Lennoxtown complex.

Caird, who signed a contract for Celtic under-17s in July, was with friends in Cambuslang’s Tabernacle Lane when police spotted him. He was shouting and swearing and walking backwards away from the group towards the police with his hands in the air.

Officers asked if he had any alcohol after smelling it and he allowed them to search him.

Caird said: “The reason I had the item was because I was at a friend’s house fixing a PlayStation game that had gotten stuck and put it in my pocket without thinking.

“It has had a big impact on my career but I am happy with and appreciate the support from Celtic, Scotland and my school.

“It was torture spending a weekend in custody.

“I thought I was dreaming, it didn’t feel real.”

Defence lawyer Ross Yuill said Caird’s school reported that he has never had any behaviour issues and described him as “a nice boy who gets on with staff.”

Caird has apologised for bringing shame on his club. He told the Sunday Mail: “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I have learned my lesson.”

Celtic declined to comment.

SFA performance director Mark Wotte and head of youth Chris McCart have expressed shock at Caird’s crime.

Video: Celtic fans in worst violence for years

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/video-celtic-fans-in-worst-violence-for-years-1-3177674

Celtic have announced that an internal investigation will be carried out on the skirmishes between fans that broke out in Amsterdam’s city centre on Wednesday night.

Six Celtic fans will be brought before a judge today after some of the worst football-related violence involving a British team in recent years.

Eighteen remained in custody in the Netherlands last night, 12 of whom were due to be released after paying fines in the region of €500 (£420).

In total, 44 people were arrested following Wednesday night’s disorder, 28 of them Scottish, with some already having been fined and released.

Dutch police said the violence was triggered by Dutch fans stealing a Scottish flag, with the travelling supporters throwing glass bottles in retaliation. Plain-clothes police then stepped in and the fighting ensued.

Videos posted to YouTube show trouble on the streets of Amsterdam before Celtic’s Champions League game against Ajax. Fans are seen throwing bottles at people as they board a tram.

Police armed with batons, including many on horseback, are seen attempting to bring the situation under control.

Fans clash with other fans, and with police. During the violence some fans can be seen wearing Celtic shirts, while others are chanting, “Celtic, Celtic”.

Later, the streets are shown to be littered with debris, including smashed glass from a number of beer bottles. A few dazed and apparently injured people can been seen being helped to their feet by police.

A police spokesman said: “Six people will be brought in front of an investigative judge and he will decide what happens next. They have been held for fighting with police.”

Asked what started the disorder, he added: “It looks like a few Ajax fans took a Scottish flag and then some people started throwing bottles at them.”

Police officers in plain clothes went to arrest them and all hell broke loose. They were throwing bottles at other people who had taken the flag.

“Eight police officers were injured – broken nose, holes in their heads, eyebrows cut. One policeman was knocked unconscious.”

He said he was not aware of any fans of either club being seriously injured.

Celtic last night issued a statement claiming its supporters were subjected to “a high degree of provocation” and that there had been “an organised attack on a group” in Amsterdam.

It read: “There is no question Celtic supporters have been subjected to a high degree of provocation.” The club announced it had opened an internal investigation to “fully understand events” in response to claims from their fans that they were poorly treated.

But it added: “We would stress that there is no excuse for any form of violent conduct.

Second night of violence

There had earlier been trouble on Tuesday, the night before the game, when dozens of Dutch hooligans descended on the Old Sailor Cafe, in the city’s red light district.

They banged on the glass and at least one man was repeatedly punched before police arrived. The whole incident lasted less than a minute. Nine Ajax fans were arrested.

There has been repeated problems with Dutch football hooliganism in recent years and two weeks ago Ajax fans ripped up 300 seats and damaged the stadium at Celtic Park following a fixture between the sides which Celtic won 2-1.

Fans ‘provoked’, say Celtic

Celtic said in a statement on their website: “We have been informed that there are five individuals detained in Holland. We are not clear if they have any formal association with the Club, however, we will be liaising with the local authorities in Amsterdam, our own police and the British Consulate in order to fully understand events. We would stress that there is no excuse for any form of violent conduct.

“In addition, we have received numerous complaints from Celtic supporters in relation to their treatment in Amsterdam, which we will also investigate fully.

“There is no question that Celtic supporters have been subjected to a high degree of provocation.”

The club added: “Once again the overwhelming majority of our supporters behaved impeccably.”

There has been repeated problems with Dutch football hooliganism in recent years, and two weeks ago Ajax fans ripped up seats and damaged the stadium at Celtic Park following another fixture between the two sides.

Police knocked unconscious by Celtic fans in Amsterdam riot

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/eight-amsterdam-police-officers-hurt-in-celtic-clashes-8925736.html

Eight police officers were injured in a clash between football fans and officers before Celtic's Champions League match against Ajax in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam police said 15 fans were arrested after the incident in the city centre before kick-off yesterday.

The police force said fans armed with bottles and sticks attacked plain-clothed officers in an incident described as "coming out of nowhere".

One officer was knocked unconscious in the fighting in Dam Square.

Police said the majority of those arrested were Celtic fans, although it is believed that supporters from other clubs were also involved.

A police spokesman said: "At the end of the afternoon a large group of Celtic supporters attacked police officers in plain clothes.

"Eight were injured and one was knocked unconscious. A few of them had broken noses and needed stitches above their eyebrows and on their lips.

"Bottles and sticks were used in the attack which came out of nowhere. There were 15 arrests, mostly Celtic supporters."

Celtic lost the match 1-0 and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

Before the match Celtic urged fans in the city to be "extra vigilant" after a group of supporters were attacked in a city centre bar.

It was reported around 50 supporters were in the Old Sailor Cafe in the city when they were attacked by a group of masked men on Tuesday night.

There were no serious injuries and a number of people were arrested.

The attack follows trouble last month when a group of Ajax fans ripped up and threw seats at police and home fans as the teams played in Glasgow.

Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Dutch club after the clashes with police and stewards at Parkhead during a match which the home side won 2-1.

A disciplinary case is to be heard on November 21.

The night before the match at Celtic Park, British Transport Police arrested two Dutch fans over alleged disorder in Glasgow Central train station.

Around 12,000 Celtic fans were expected in Holland for last night's match and the club said fans should not travel to the stadium unless they had a ticket for the Celtic section.

A club statement issued before the match said: "Celtic are urging all supporters to be extra vigilant in the city centre and at the Amsterdam ArenA, and to only stick to the advised areas for safety reasons."

Homophobic Celtic hooligan handed a year-long football ban

A Clydebank football hooligan who nutted a copper and unleashed a disgusting homophobic rant has been handed a one-year football banning order.

Celtic supporter Gary Prior was also slapped with a £400 fine after his outrageous actions at Starks Park - home of Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy - in February this year.

The loud mouthed yob appeared in the dock at Kircaldy Sheriff Court last week after having being found guilty of public disorder at a football match, assaulting a police officer and committing a breach of the peace following his arrest.

The court heard how arrogant Prior was first spotted by eagle-eyed cops shouting support for what court papers described as a "prescribed terrorist organisation", outside the ground in the build-up to Raith Rovers' Scottish Cup clash against Celtic.

They were also told how during his arrest he headbutted an officer and continued to act in an aggressive manner during the journey to Kirkcaldy Police Station where he continued his tirade.
It was explained to the court Prior was shouting and threatening police, before making comments of a homophobic nature, as well as making threats of violence towards them.

The 21-year-old has been serving a ban from every stadium in Scotland since the offence took place on February 3 this year. Just two days after the ban kicked in, he told mates on his Facebook page how he was "heavy gutted" to be missing the Parkhead side's clash with Juventus in the Champions League last season.

Other posts on Facebook indicate he went to court in a confident mood and would be returning to Celtic Park soon, but his hopes were dashed when the sheriff showed him the red card by banning him for a further 12 months.

Prosecutors told the Post they were satisfied with the outcome of the case and will continue to keep the pressure on football hooligans.

Faith Millar, Football Liaison Prosecutor for the East of Scotland, said: "The [Crown Office] is absolutely determined to play its part in confronting the problems of violence motivated by prejudice or discrimination of any kind.

"Prosecutors will continue to work with the police to take whatever measures are necessary to protect genuine fans from criminal behaviour while attending football matches. We will prosecute anyone indulging in such behaviour with a zero-tolerance approach and reiterate the message that it has no place in modern Scotland."

http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2013/07/26/465444-clydebank-hooligan-handed-a-yearlong-football-ban/#sthash.QgjIUnCS.t7nJczJK.dpuf

Sectarian Bigot Celtic fan gets 7 years sentence for stabbing Rangers fan

Vicious bigot stabbed man in neck because toddler son supported ...

A THUG stabbed a young dad in the neck because his toddler son supports Rangers.

Violent bigot Thomas Gordon was jailed for more than seven years yesterday for the assault on Daniel Collingwood after a party in Govan, Glasgow, in January this year.

Gordon, 36, smiled and gave a thumbs-up to two women in the public gallery as he was led to the cells.

The High Court in Glasgow had heard how Gordon’s on-off partner held a Hogmanay party and he was there with his brother Edward, 44. Daniel and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon – the accused’s niece – also attended.

Douglas Fairlie QC, prosecuting, said: “During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son. The argument appeared to be about whether the child should support Celtic or Rangers.”

It is believed members of the Gordon family are Celtic-minded while the two-year-old boy is already a Rangers fan – and the court heard another row broke out after the party over what religion Daniel’s son should follow.

Mr Fairlie said: “The accused left the living room and went into the kitchen. Mr Collingwood felt uneasy and became concerned for his safety.

“He ran into the back garden but was unable to find an exit, so he attempted to run back into the house.”

The court heard that Edward Gordon pushed Daniel against a wall. Mr Fairlie added: “There was then an altercation during which the accused stabbed the complainer several times to the left side of his neck and shoulder area.”

The blood-soaked victim escaped and an ambulance was called. The court heard he had two serious wounds to his neck – one an inch from his jugular vein – and was left scarred for life.

Gordon, from Govan, admitted assaulting Daniel to the danger of his life. Gordon Jackson QC, defending, said: “This was a stupid Glasgow incident about football, Celtic and Rangers.”

Judge Lord Turnbull jailed Gordon for seven years and two months and told him he was lucky not to have been facing a murder charge.

Gordon did stand trial for murder in 2004 accused of killing a man at a karaoke night – but he walked free after a jury returned a not proven verdict.

In 1995, he was jailed for six years for assault. He also has a previous conviction for carrying a knife.

Last night, Daniel’s father Brian told the Record: “I think Gordon is absolute scum and we were hoping for a tougher jail sentence.

“He got seven years but will probably be out in less than four years. Where is the justice in that?”

Celtic fan jailed for stabbing Rangers fan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-23084392

A man who stabbed his niece's partner after a row over what football team the victim's son should support has been jailed for seven years and two months.

Thomas Gordon, 36, carried out the attack on Daniel Collingwood at a flat in Ibrox, Glasgow, on New Year's day.

It is believed Gordon family members support Celtic while the two year-old child is being raised a Rangers fan.

Gordon was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to assault to the danger of life.

A previous hearing at the High Court in Glasgow was told how Gordon's on-off partner Catherine Johnson held a party at her home in Rhynie Drive, Ibrox, on Hogmanay last year.

Upbringing argument

Gordon, from Govan, attended along with his 44 year-old brother, Edward.

Mr Collingwood and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon - the accused's niece - also attended.

Prosecutor Douglas Fairlie QC said: "During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Given the proximity to the jugular vein, it is fortunate your victim did not die”

Lord TurnbullJudge

"It is stated that the argument appeared to be about whether the child should support Celtic or Rangers."

The court heard that Gordon, his brother and Mr Collingwood later left the flat in the early hours but returned when Edward Gordon realised he had left something behind.

Mr Fairlie said another row soon broke out at the house over what religion Mr Collingwood's boy should follow.

The advocate depute went on: "The accused left the living room and went into the kitchen.

"Mr Collingwood felt uneasy and became concerned for his safety. He ran into the back garden, but was unable to find an exit gate, so he attempted to run back into the house."

The court heard he was then grabbed by Edward Gordon, who pushed him against a wall as the accused stormed out.

Mr Fairlie told the court: "There was then an altercation during which the accused stabbed the complainer several times to the left side of his neck and shoulder area."

Murder acquittal

A blood-soaked Mr Collingwood managed to escape by jumping over garden fences. He went to a nearby property where his partner was and an ambulance was called.

The court heard the most serious wounds he suffered were to his neck. One was just two centimetres from his jugular vein.

Jailing him, judge Lord Turnbull told Gordon: "Given the proximity to the jugular vein, it is fortunate your victim did not die."

Gordon stood trial at the same court in 2004 charged with murdering 46-year-old Stephen Kerr at Benburb Social Club in Govan.

The attack happened at a football team night out but it was claimed Mr Kerr was killed by a hitman who fled to Spain.

A jury returned a not proven verdict on Gordon following a five day trial.

Gordon was jailed for six years in 1995 at the high court for assault.

He also has a previous conviction for carrying a knife in 2007.