SENTENCING STATEMENTS

A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.

Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision.

Once charges are spent, any statement in relation to them is removed and cannot be provided or acknowledged. Statements published before the launch of the website may be available on request. Please email judicialcomms@scotcourts.gov.uk.

The independence of the judiciary is essential to safeguard people’s rights under law - enabling judges to make decisions impartially based solely on evidence and law, without interference or influence from the government or politicians.

When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.

For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website .

Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.

HMA v Mompati Dodo Isaacs

Oct 31, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Ross sentenced imposed a life sentence on Mompati Dodo Isaacs for the murder of Keotshepile Naso Isaacs. The offender must spend a minimum period of 21 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole.

HMA v Christopher Lynn

Oct 30, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Clark imposed a 6-year prison sentence on Christopher Lynn. The offender pled guilty to causing the death of Yvonne Nichol and serious injuries to two others by driving dangerously and under the influence of drugs. Lynn has also been banned from driving for 9 years and must sit an extended driving test.

HMA v Regan McLinton

Oct 30, 2025

At the High Court in Kilmarnock, Lord Cubie sentenced Regan McLinton to an extended sentence after the offender was convicted of assault with intent to rape and attempted rape. The custodial term was set at 6 years and 9 months, with an extension period of two years.

HMA v Patrick Scott Moohan

Oct 30, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Arthurson sentenced Patrick Scott Moohan to 9 years’ imprisonment. The offender pled guilty to a charge of attempted murder whilst on bail.

HMA v David Livingstone

Oct 29, 2025

At the High Court in Stirling, Lord Mulholland imposed a sentence of life imprisonment on David Livingstone for the murder of Gordon Stirling. The offender must spend a minimum period of 19 years in prison before he can apply for parole.

HMA v Alexander Law

Oct 29, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Arthurson sentenced Alexander Law to 10 years' imprisonment after the offender pled guilty to rape and lewd, indecent and libidinous practices. Law was also made subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (placed on the sex offenders register) indefinitely.

HMA v Kenan Baki

Oct 28, 2025

At the High Court in Kilmarnock, Lord Cubie sentenced Kenan Baki to an extended sentence for rape and sexual assault. The custodial term was set at 9 years, with an extension period of 2 years.

HMA v Christian Urlateanu, Alexandra Bugonea, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu, Remus Stan & Catalin Florin Dobre

Oct 27, 2025

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Scott sentenced Christian Urlateanu, Alexandra Bugonea, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu, Remus Stan and Catalin Florin Dobre to various periods of imprisonment for their parts in the serious sexual abuse and exploitation of women. Urlateanu was sentenced to an extended sentence, with 18 years in custody and a 2 year extension period; Bugonea was sentenced to 8 years' imprisonment; Cumpanasoiu was sentenced to an extended sentence, with 20 years in custody and a 4 year extension period; Stan was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment; and Dobre was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.

HMA v Perry John Quantrell and John Anthony Quantrell

Oct 21, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Harrower imposed 3-year custodial sentences on Perry Quantrell and John Quantrell after the pair were found guilty of an assault to severe injury and danger of life. Perry Quantrell received an additional 6-month prison term and ban for a charge of dangerous driving.

HMA v HC-One Limited

Oct 20, 2025

At Inverness Sheriff Court, Sheriff Robert Frazer imposed a fine of £1.8 million on HC-One Ltd. The company admitted failings at its Cradlehall Care Home that led to the death of Mrs Margaret Campbell in June 2022.

HMA v Owen McLaren

Oct 16, 2025

At the High Court in Glasgow Lord Summers imposed a 9 years extended sentence on Owen McLaren after the offender was convicted of rape and indecent assault

HMA v Aren Pearson

Oct 15, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh Lord Arthurson sentenced Aren Pearson to life imprisonment after the offender was convicted of murder. The punishment part, this is the minimum amount of time someone has to spend in prison before being eligible for parole, was set at 25 years.

HMA v Martin Hanlon

Oct 14, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Harrower sentenced Martin Hanlon to 36 months imprisonment after the offender pled guilty to a single charge of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (Cocaine).

HMA v Alan Johnston

Oct 14, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Ericht imposed an extended sentence of 10 years on Alan Johnston after the offender was convicted of attempted murder. The custodial part was set at 8 years with a 2 years extension period to be served in the community.

HMA v Kerr Anthony McKenzie

Oct 13, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh Lord Ericht imposed a community payback order for a period of 2 years on Kerr Anthony McKenzie after the offender was convicted of one charge of sexual assault and one charge of domestic abuse.

HMA v Peter Murray

Oct 9, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Carmichael sentenced Peter Murray to 10 years' imprisonment after the offender was convicted of indecent assault.

HMA v Gavin Gallagher

Oct 8, 2025

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Mulholland sentence Gavin Gallagher to life imprisonment for the murder of Stephen Gray. The punishment part, the time which must be spent in custody before parole is considered, was set at 20 years.

HMA v Alfie McCann

Oct 2, 2025

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Arthurson sentenced Alfie McCann to an extended sentence after the offender pled guilty to abduction and assault to injury. The custodial part was set at 8 years, while the extension period, the time spent under supervision in the community on release, was set at 2 years.

HMA v James John Dorans

Oct 2, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Poole sentenced James Dorans to an extended sentence after the offender was convicted of multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of children. The custodial term was set at 10 years and the extension period, the time spent under supervision in the community on release, was set at 3 years.

HMA v Steven Allan

Oct 2, 2025

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Carmichael sentenced Steven Allan to 4 years' imprisonment after the offender was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Allan was also disqualified from driving for a period of 7 years.

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