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.

Celtic fan found guilty of knife possession during UEFA Champions League tie

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/233467-celtic-fan-marcus-finn-cleared-of-punching-police-horse-at-parkhead/

A Celtic fan has been cleared of punching a police horse and calling it a "big f****** dog" while on his way to a match.

Marcus Finn was attending the match against Barcelona at Parkhead last November 7 when the incident occurred.

The 39-year-old was arrested and accused of striking the animal in Janefield Street, Parkhead.

Finn was taken to a police office in the grounds of Celtic Park on the night of the Champions League tie. Officers found the football supporter had a knife in his possession.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, Finn, from Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, pled guilty to possessing the offensive weapon, while his plea of not guilty to hitting the police horse was accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Martin Jones QC accepted that the engineer manager forgot he had the knife in his pocket.

Finn was given a community payback order and must carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.

Celtic won the European group stage tie against the Catalan side 2-1.

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.

Celtic fan jailed for four years over Old Firm stabbing

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-fan-jailed-for-four-years-1026693

10/6/13

A CELTIC supporter who repeatedly stabbed a Rangers fan in a "frightening and vicious attack" hours after an Old Firm match was yesterday jailed for four years.

Shaun Duffy, 30, knifed Brian Duncan in Glasgow's Springcroft Bar and Diner.

Duncan was left with serious spinal injuries and still suffers pain, months after the attack.

The High Court in Dunfermline heard that Duffy, an offshore worker, became involved in an argument after bar staff said drinkers entering the pub could not wear football colours.

Brian, his brother Colin and friends had gone to the pub in the city's Baillieston on December 27 last year after watching Rangers lose 1-0 to Celtic at Ibrox that day.

Duffy - a father-of-two - was sitting in the busy bar nearby.

The court was told that the accused and Colin later became involved in a fight.

Brian - who had been playing pool - saw the incident and rushed to help his brother.

But Brian, 37, was pushed to the ground before Duffy pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest and neck.

Simon Bowie, prosecuting, said Brian was unable to stand up after being attacked.

Duffy fled the scene as other drinkers attended to his victim.

Brian lost two litres of blood on the way to hospital and had to be resuscitated.

Doctors believed his injuries were a significant threat to his life. He has been left with a lack of feeling in his fingers and his lower legs.

Mr Bowie added: "He was a keen footballer but is unable to do that and does not now socialise."

Duffy handed himself in to police weeks after the incident.

The court was told he had previous convictions for football-related violence and served three years in jail for a previous assault to the danger of a victim's life.

Duffy, of Borthwick Street, Garthamlock, Glasgow, admitted assaulting Brian to the danger of his life.

Tony Graham, defending, said: "There's no situation where this sort of violence can be tolerated by society.

"He is a man who can remain free of intoxicants when working offshore but succumbs to alcohol abuse when on shore leave.

"He was in a pub, he was drunk and something that started as a minor argument escalated and he offers no excuse for that."

Imposing the jail term, judge Lord Woolman said the attack was "life-threatening".

He said: "You carried out a frightening and vicious attack on Brian Duncan. It is only chance you do not face a charge of murder.

"You have 11 previous convictions - five for breach of the peace, one football-related and a 2005 conviction for an assault with a bottle.

"Your victim required emergency treatment and lost two litres of blood - this was life-threatening.

"If you had been convicted after trial, you would have had six years in prison - but as you pled guilty the sentence will be four years."

Duffy smiled at supporters on the public benches as he was led to the cells.

Celtic fan stabs father over toddler son supporting Rangers

http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/229688-thomas-gordon-stabbed-daniel-collingwood-in-celtic-v-rangers-row/

A father was stabbed after a row about whether his toddler son should support Celtic or Rangers.

Daniel Collingwood was attacked by his partner’s uncle, Thomas Gordon, after a New Year’s party.

The High Court in Glasgow heard on Monday that Gordon’s family are Celtic fans and he began arguing with Mr Collingwood because his two-year-old son supported Rangers.

Gordon, who was previously jailed for assaults in the mid-90s, originally faced an attempted murder charge over the attack, but his guilty plea to the reduced charge of assault to the endangerment of life was accepted by the Crown.

The court heard how 36-year-old Gordon's partner Catherine Johnson held a party at her home in Rhynie Drive, Ibrox, Glasgow, on Hogmanay last year. He attended with his 44-year-old brother Edward.

Mr Collingwood and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon, the accused's niece, also went to the party.

Prosecutor Douglas Fairlie QC said: "During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son. It is stated that 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 child is already a Rangers fan. The accused, his brother and Mr Collingwood later left the property 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 with a disagreement about 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."

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, including one that was 2cm from his jugular vein.

Mr Collingwood has been left scarred for life. Gordon, of the city's Govan, was charged with the attack a week after the incident, but told police: "I didn't do it."

It was revealed that 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.

Judge Lord Turnbull deferred sentencing for reports until later this month. Edward Gordon, also of Govan, had also been accused of attempted murder, but prosecutors accepted his not guilty pleas.

Linesman threatened by Celtic fans with knife attack

1997 Scottish Daily Record

 The linesman who chalked off a goal in the crunch Old Firm game has received knife threats from Celtic fans.

Police yesterday warned match official Gordon McBride to watch out for his safety after a terror letter was sent to the Daily Record. 

A group calling themselves Johnstone Celtic Bhoys threatened to "make an example" of Mr McBride. 

They described said he would be slashed with a knife or attacked with baseball bats. 

The Record immediately passed the letter to police. 

Mr McBride was at the centre of controversy last week when he flagged to disallow a Celtic goal. 

It would have tied the match at 2-2, but Rangers went on to win 3-1. 

Later, we revealed that Mr McBride had worn a Rangers strip at a charity match and was on an Ibrox mailing list. 

The thugs' threatening letter said: "We now intend to make an example of Mr McBride. 

"Whether this means McBride's face cut open with a knife or set about with baseball bats, then so be it. 

"He is in danger of a very serious attack. McBride will not escape punishment." 

Last night, Celtic distanced themselves from the thugs and manager Tommy Burns described the letter as "deplorable". 

He said: "Whoever sent that letter should be ashamed. People like that are not welcome as part of Celtic or Scottish football." 

Celtic Supporters' Association president Frank Hinton said: "People who react like this are nutcases. 

"They are not doing Celtic or themselves any favours. 

"I know how upset the fans were and that they were even more upset to find out he's a Rangers supporter. 

"But to react like this is ridiculous." 

John Martin Costigane, secretary of Johnstone Celtic Supporters' Club, said the letter had nothing to do with his members. 

And he added: "I find its contents deplorable." 

Police visited Mr McBride yesterday to warn him about the threats. 

And forensic experts will now examine the letter for fingerprints in a bid to track down the culprits. 

Mr McBride wasn't available for comment last night.