Among those facing justice in September were a drunk couple who forced a flight from Edinburgh to be diverted, as well as two men who ran an unlicensed dog ‘fertility clinic.
A man who slashed a student in a knife attack at a Pro-Palestine protest in the city was sentenced, and a football boss who leaked medical reports was also in the dock last month.
There were also criminals in Edinburgh’s courts for crimes including sexual assault, domestic abuse, embezzlement and sending inappropriate messages to schoolgirls.
9. Football boss leaked medical records
A Scottish football manager who shared confidential medical records of David Goodwillie’s rape victim on the internet was last month ordered to carry out unpaid work. Tony McNally, 38, was boss of Glasgow United FC when he was ordered by the club’s owner Hugh Kelly to distribute the sensitive documents relating to Denise Clair online. McNally and club coach Iain Orr posted excerpts of the records to the X social media site in a bid to clear the name of the disgraced striker after he had signed for the West of Scotland League outfit. Several screenshots of Ms Clair’s medical files were posted online, alongside comments including “Goodwillie innocent” in June 2023. McNally has now been sentenced to a community payback order with an unpaid work element of 55 hours to be completed within 12 months. He is the former head coach of League Two side Annan Athletic, ex-head of youth development at Dumbarton and ex-under 20s coach of Clyde FC. | Alexander Lawrie
10. Illegal dog clinic
Two men who ran an unlicensed dog ‘fertility clinic’ from a shed in Edinburgh were fined last month following a SSPCA investigation. Paul Robertson and Alexander Myers used a shed as a makeshift dog fertility centre despite holding no breeder’s licence and not being registered as a veterinary practice. Myres ran the dog breeding and fertility clinic operation out of Roberston’s home, where he carried out various operations including artificial insemination and microchipping. At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 16, Robertson received a £270 fine and Myers was sentenced to 180 hours community payback service, issued a £90 fine and was banned from owning dogs for three years. Police Scotland first alerted the Scottish SPCA after attending the property on an unrelated matter before raising concerns for the welfare of the dogs. Following examinations dogs were found to have multiple health issues including ocular disease, respiratory disorders, dermatological disease and musculoskeletal disease. A total of six dogs were put down. | SSPCA
11. Jailed for sexual abuse
Jack Reid was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on September 18. He was convicted of the offences, which police said brought ‘distress and suffering’ to his victims, back in August. The offences took place between 2017 and 2022 and involved a man, a woman and two children. Following his sentencing, Police said Reid will “face the consequences of his actions in prison”. Detective Constable Sara Duncan said: “It’s difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering Reid caused those involved in this case. I hope today’s sentencing offers them some closure. He will now face the consequences of his actions in prison. If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to." | National World Photo: TSPL
12. Sexual assault
An East Lothian pensioner who sexually assaulted a woman in a violent attack at his home has avoided a jail term and been placed on the sex offenders register. Alan Martin pushed the victim onto a sofa and pinned her down before seizing her by the neck during the shocking incident on June 12, 2022. Martin, 74, then sexually assaulted the woman by placing his hand inside her lower clothing, attempting to remove her underwear and touching her vagina. The OAP denied the allegations but was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Courtin August. The jury also found Martin guilty of a second offence of making sexual advances towards the same woman causing her to barricade herself in a bathroom at his home in Wallyford, East Lothian. He returned to the dock for sentencing on September 25, where his lawyer James Stewart said his client continues to deny responsibility for the sex attack claiming the woman had consented. Sheriff Wendy Sheehan said she could impose a direct alternative to custody due to Martin’s limited record, his age and the social work report stating he does not pose “a significant risk of reoffending”. Martin was sentenced to a community payback order with a three year supervision order element. He will also be electronically tagged and have to stay within his home address between 7pm and 7am for the next nine months. The sheriff placed the pensioner on the sex offenders for three years and issued a non-harassment order banning him from having any contact with the victim for the same length of time. | Alexander Lawrie