This daily crime round-up covers the latest developments in major cases across the country, including the aftermath of a young girl's death, a fake doctor accused of fraud, a gang busted after an encrypted platform was cracked, and ongoing inquiries into high-profile murders.
Family of Minnie Merriman 'Left with Nothing'
The family of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman have been "left with nothing" following her death, a close friend has said. Minnie died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after being found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath on August 3. Three other family members were also taken to hospital. Her father, Christopher Rice, 35, faces a murder charge and has been remanded in custody. A fundraiser has been launched to help the family "rebuild" after their "unimaginable heartbreak."
Bogus Doctor Accused of Conning Patients
Robert Becker, 34, is accused of posing as a doctor, psychologist, and pharmacologist at fake clinics in Edinburgh and Dalkeith, duping nearly 40 victims out of more than £40,000. He faces 89 charges on a 22-page charge sheet spanning from September 2022 to August 2025. The case was called at the High Court in Glasgow last week.
Gangsters' Fortified Drug Den Busted
A drug-dealing mob from Greenock was among the first Scottish gangs caught after police cracked Encrochat. Five members sold cocaine, heroin, and valium from a block of flats known as "the shop." The operation ended when police kicked in the heavily-barricaded door in 2020. Lee Docherty, 37, Ian Millar, 39, Brendan Gillan, 32, his father Daniel Gillan, 60, and Christopher McKellar, 44, were arrested.
Athens Suitcase Murder: Test Results Delayed
Test results to determine how Scottish aid worker Elisabeth-Jane Ross died could be delayed by another month. Ross, 38, was found dead in a suitcase in Athens on July 18. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, has appeared in court on suspicion of killing her. A coroner's report initially cited an undetermined cause of death, but asphyxiation was listed as probable cause after further investigation.
Emma Caldwell Inquiry May Be Expanded
The Emma Caldwell public inquiry could be expanded amid fears that an official cover-up that allowed her killer to walk free for over a decade will not be scrutinized. Iain Packer was convicted of murder in 2024, 19 years after Emma's body was found in May 2005. Concerns have been raised by several parties, including the victim's family.
Perth Cocaine Raid Nets £50,000
Two pensioners and a teenager were arrested after a drugs raid in Perth recovered cocaine worth around £50,700. The raid took place on Strathtay Road on August 7. A man aged 71, a man aged 19, and a woman aged 69 were charged and are expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on August 10. Detective Sergeant David Feeney said: "Drugs cause misery in our communities and this recovery highlights our commitment to removing them from our streets."
