A Greek man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of Scottish mother Jean Hanlon, whose body was discovered off the coast of Crete in March 2009. The 55-year-old was convicted at Lassithi Mixed Assize Court on Friday, with judges citing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. Under Greek law, he has been released pending an appeal. Jean, 55, from Dumfries, disappeared after a night out; her body was found in the sea four days later. Initially treated as a drowning, a second post-mortem revealed injuries including a broken neck, punctured lung, and shattered rib, indicating a violent struggle. The breakthrough came after Jean's sons Michael, David, and Robert hired a private investigator, uncovering fresh evidence that led to prosecution. The family broke down in tears as the verdict was delivered.
Far-Right Blackshirt Protests Linked to Football Hooligan
Notorious football hooligan Sandy Chugg has been identified as one of the black-clad men participating in military-style marches in Edinburgh and Glasgow promoting anti-immigration messaging. Videos of the so-called "silent protests" were shared by Chugg's associate Craig Houston, an anti-immigration activist, and amplified online by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. The footage shows rows of men in black standing in formation while a wreath bearing the words "We apologise" is laid, drawing comparisons with fascist imagery from early 20th-century Italy. Chugg, a former leader of Rangers' Inter City Firm hooligan group, denied organising the events but admitted participation, describing the demonstrations as a warning that "enough is enough." Houston also denied coordinating the gatherings, claiming he merely documented them after being invited. Anti-racism campaigners condemned the marches, warning they aim to unite far-right groups in Scotland through intimidating displays.
Masked Gang Terrorises Mum Before Petrol Bomb Attack
A mother says she is living in fear after a masked gang smashed up her home and car in Cambuslang on Monday, then returned hours later to petrol bomb the vehicle. Four men wearing balaclavas and dressed in black were captured on CCTV targeting Audrey Caughey's home. Armed with poles and bats, they smashed windows and lights of her silver car, damaged a second vehicle, and broke windows of her house. After moving the damaged car to her daughter's home nearby, the gang allegedly struck again in the early hours of Tuesday, setting the vehicle ablaze. Police Scotland is treating the fire as wilful. Audrey believes she was targeted in a case of mistaken identity and said she is too frightened to leave her home, pleading with those responsible to stop. Police have launched an investigation.
Teen Accused of Murder 'Did Not Lay a Finger' on Victim, Court Told
A teenager accused of murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay during a fatal sword attack in Glasgow "did not lay a finger" on him, according to his defence lawyer. The 17-year-old's advocate told jurors there was insufficient evidence to convict his client, insisting he was not involved in any common criminal enterprise and played no part in the violence that led to Amen's death in Maryhill in March last year. Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, deny murdering Amen, who was found seriously injured on Clarendon Street after allegedly being chased and attacked with a sword. The younger accused has lodged a special defence of self-defence. In his closing speech, defence advocate Iain McSporran KC said his client had fully cooperated with police and had "done nothing wrong," urging the jury not to let sympathy for Amen's family influence their verdict. The trial at the High Court in Glasgow continues.
Fishing Skipper Who Treated Crew 'Like Slaves' Avoids Jail
A fishing boat captain who treated migrant crew members "like slaves" has been ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work after admitting breaching maritime safety laws. Tom Nicholson, 38, subjected five foreign sailors to gruelling working conditions aboard the scallop dredger The Sea Lady, forcing them to work around the clock, restricting access to food, and denying adequate rest and safety training between July and December 2017. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard two crew members from Ghana gave evidence describing harsh conditions; one told the court they survived by eating fish and octopus caught in the vessel's nets. Another said Nicholson branded a crew member "a slave" when concerns were raised. Nicholson was handed a community payback order requiring 300 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month restriction of liberty order. Prosecutors praised the courage of the seafarers for coming forward, ensuring Nicholson was brought to justice.
