The self-proclaimed leader of the Tamo Junto (TMJ) gang in Edinburgh has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for orchestrating a firebomb attack that completely destroyed a residential property. Kurtis Young, 42, pleaded guilty to launching a petrol bomb through a window of a house on Hay Drive in April last year, as part of an ongoing gang war led by Ross McGill.
Details of the Attack
Young was driven to the scene by teenager Richard Ordish, 19, who was also sentenced to seven years for his role. The fire rapidly engulfed the house, causing the roof to collapse and requiring five fire engines to extinguish. Drone footage presented in court showed the extensive damage, with estimates suggesting rebuilding costs of up to £300,000, plus an additional £60,000 for repairs to a neighboring semi-detached property.
Evidence and Conviction
Prosecutor Michael McIntosh detailed how Young's phone contained messages to his mother claiming he was in contact with a boss in Dubai. Ordish's phone revealed communications with a contact saved as "X," who instructed him to connect with Young the night before the fire. Forensic evidence, including a glove with Young's DNA near the scene, further incriminated the pair. Video footage showed Ordish waiting on a motorbike while Young started the blaze.
Gang War Context
The attack was part of a violent feud between the TMJ gang and associates of Edinburgh cocaine boss Mark Richardson. Ross McGill, 32, initiated the gang war after alleging that Richardson's crew paid for a £500,000 cocaine shipment with counterfeit banknotes. The feud has led to multiple firebombings and machete attacks, with police Operation Portaledge resulting in over 70 arrests.
Sentencing Remarks
Judge Lord Arthurson described the crime as "callous, concerted, and tragic," emphasizing the threat to life and the public's contempt for such actions. He noted that the defendants acted for money under instruction, requiring high tariff sentences.
Defense lawyers argued that Ordish was pressured by a large financial incentive, while Young claimed he was repaying a drug debt after his plumbing business suffered during the pandemic. Young also stated he believed the target house was unoccupied, though he acknowledged the danger to neighbors.
The TMJ gang had previously released footage of the attack with a warning to rival gangs, urging a united fight against the Richardson and Daniels families. The clip featured the TMJ logo with a fanged skull and crossed guns.
Both Young and Ordish were arrested in April and May 2025, respectively, and have now been sentenced for their roles in the devastating firebombing.
