Scotland's daily crime round-up on Tuesday features a podcaster convicted of domestic abuse, a man in court over murder, rising rape figures, new arrests over Old Firm violence, and a firebomb attack on cars in Glasgow.
Podcaster Guilty of Domestic Abuse
Scottish podcaster James English, 43, was convicted of domestic abuse against his former partner, a 30-year-old woman. The offences occurred at his flat on Glasgow's Argyle Street and elsewhere between July 2022 and November 2023.
English grabbed the victim by the neck and pinned her against a door while she was pregnant. He also pressed his thumbs into her eyebrows, causing redness, and kicked her off a bed after she refused a cuddle. Other incidents included pulling her hair, causing her to lose balance, and slapping her face.
Man in Court Over Murder of 'Loving' Dad
Alistair Steven, 36, from South Ayrshire, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday, August 25, charged with the murder of Graham Milliken. Steven made no plea and was remanded in custody; the case was committed for further examination.
Milliken, 57, from Dundonald, was found injured by police on Dundonald Main Street at around 4.05am on Sunday, August 23. He was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, where he died shortly after. A post-mortem examination confirmed his death is being treated as murder. His son, John Mcwilliam, has paid tribute to his father.
Rapes Rise by One Third
Statistics released on Tuesday show reported rapes and attempted rapes in Scotland rose from 2,455 in the year ending June 2022 to 3,420 in the year to June 2026 – a 32 per cent increase. In the last year alone, reports rose eight per cent.
Sexual crimes increased 11 per cent in four years and nine per cent in the last 12 months, with 16,560 recorded in the year to June. Domestic abuse incidents reported rose 81 per cent in four years and 19 per cent in the past year, with 3,264 reports in the year to June.
More Old Firm Arrests
Three men, aged 45, 30, and 20, have been arrested and charged in connection with assault and breach of the peace offences following the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday, March 8. Ugly scenes broke out after the match, with flares fired into fans and attacks on supporters, police, and stadium workers. A steward was carried from the pitch, and several people required medical treatment.
Cars Firebombed in Gang War
Emergency crews responded to a fire at a garage outside All Automotive on Causewayside Street in Tollcross, Glasgow, around 12.40am on Tuesday, August 25. No one was injured, and firefighters extinguished the blaze. Several cars inside were left charred and in ashes following the deliberate attack, which police are treating as wilful. It is claimed the attack is retaliation for incidents involving the Daniel crime clan in recent days.
