Marcus Laidley-Sobers, a 29-year-old gangland footsoldier, was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today after his DNA was found on a tissue he dropped at the front door of a rival's grandmother's home. The incident occurred on March 20 last year in the Ravelston area of Edinburgh, where Laidley-Sobers, masked and armed, attempted to force entry into the property. His efforts were captured on a Ring doorbell camera, and he fled when he failed to gain access.
DNA Evidence Leads to Conviction
Prosecutor Eildih Grant told the court that Laidley-Sobers was identified after police analyzed the Ring doorbell footage, which showed him dropping a white tissue at the door. DNA testing linked the tissue to Laidley-Sobers. Despite initial reports that he carried a firearm, the Crown accepted there was no evidence of a gun, and the charge was amended to possession of a weapon. Laidley-Sobers pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner while armed.
Background of the Offence
The court heard that the homeowner was the grandmother of a man assessed by police as a member of a serious organized crime group, part of Operation Portaledge. She was home alone when she heard the front door handle being tried at around 11:06 pm. Her partner, who received the doorbell footage, believed the intruder had a firearm and reported the incident. Police later raided Laidley-Sobers' flat in Gracemount, Edinburgh, but found no firearm.
Sentencing and Reactions
Sheriff Alison Stirling sentenced Laidley-Sobers to 21 months in prison, with a supervised release order for an additional 10 months and three weeks. She also noted that 223 days would be credited for time spent on an electronic monitoring order. Defence agent Chris Fehilly described the offence as 'breathtaking in its stupidity' but requested leniency due to Laidley-Sobers' compliance with bail conditions.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry of Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division stated: 'Laidley-Sobers will now face the consequences of his actions. Bringing another individual to justice is testament to the continued hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.' Operation Portaledge continues to investigate violent incidents linked to organized crime in Scotland.
