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 Mark Fordham

Nov 9, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Matthews imposed an Order for Lifelong Restriction on Mark Fordham after the offender pled guilty to two attempted child sex offences. Fordham has also been sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison.

HMA v Ian Higgins

Nov 6, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Judge Young imposed a £400 fine on Ian Higgins. Higgins had pled guilty to a contempt of court by refusing to perform the duties required of a juror.

HMA v Christopher Cook

Nov 3, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Weir sentenced Christopher Cook to life imprisonment for the murder of Jacqueline Kerr. Cook must serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole.

HMA v Alan Clark

Oct 31, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Judge Gallacher imposed an extended sentence of 9 years and 6 months on Alan Clark. The offender was found guilty of detaining a person against their will, assault, theft and driving offences. The punishment part of the sentence is 5 years and 6 months imprisonment with a further 4 years at licence in the community.

HMA v Edward Lochrie

Oct 27, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Young sentenced Edward Lochrie to 7 years in prison after he was convicted of rape. Lochrie has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

HMA v James Maxwell

Oct 26, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Ericht imposed an extended sentence of 9 years on James Maxwell after the offender pled guilty to gun and ammunition charges, as well as further charges relating to pornography. The extended sentence comprises a custodial term of 5 years with an extension period of 4 years. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 7 years.

HMA v Andrew White

Oct 25, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Doherty handed Andrew White an extended sentence of 8 years 4 months for assaulting two babies, one to the danger of life. The sentence comprises a custodial period of 6 years 4 months and a 2 year extension. White has also been issued with non-harassment orders.

HMA v Christopher McGowan

Oct 25, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Judge MG O’Grady sentenced Christopher McGowan to life with a minimum period in custody of 23 years for the murder of Claire Inglis. McGowan had previously been found guilty following a trial.

HMA v Stuart Watt

Oct 24, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Doherty handed Stuart Watt an extended sentence of 8 years, which includes a custodial period of 6 years and a 2 year extension, for rape and sexual assault. He has been added to the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and issued with non-harassment orders.

HMA v Christopher Tiffoney and James Jamieson

Oct 23, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Scott sentenced Christopher Tiffoney and James Jamieson to 4 years and 9 months in prison. The pair pled guilty to being involved in serious organised crime and the supply of drugs. They will also be subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders for 3 years after their release.

HMA v Mohammed Tahmith Ahmed

Oct 23, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Doherty sentenced Mohammed Tahmith Ahmed to an extended sentence of 6 years, this includes a custodial period of 4 years and a 2 year extension, after the offender was convicted of sexual offences over a number of years. Ahmed has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period.

HMA v Ali Zafar

Oct 20, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh Judge McCormick sentenced Ali Zafar to four years imprisonment after the offender pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

HMA v Steven Banks

Oct 18, 2023

At the High Court in Stirling today, Lord Young sentenced Steven Banks to 11 years in prison. The offender was found guilty of the rapes of a 16-year-old and child under the age of 13. Banks has also been issued with non-harassment orders and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

HMA v Andrew Miller

Oct 18, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Arthurson sentenced Andrew Miller to an extended sentence of 28 years, after the offender pled guilty to the abduction and sexual assault of a young child. The custodial part will be 20 years. The extension period will be 8 years.

HMA v Harrison Keaney

Oct 12, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lady Drummond sentenced Harrison Keaney to an extended sentence of 7 years and 3 months for attempted murder. Keaney will serve 5 years and 3 months in prison with 2 years on licence in the community.

HMA v Sandy John Mundie

Oct 10, 2023

At the High Court in Aberdeen, Judge Miller handed Sandy John Mundie an extended sentenced of 14 years after the offender was found guilty of attempted murder. The sentence includes 12 years in prison and 2 years on licence in the community.

HMA V Andrew Taylor

Oct 5, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Lord Arthurson sentenced Andrew Taylor to 12 years in prison. The offender had previously pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drugs. He has also been disqualified from driving for 16 years.

HMA v Steven John Clark and Sean Douglas Imlach

Oct 3, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Lord Arthurson handed Steven John Clark and Sean Douglas Imlach respective sentences of 3 years and 6 months and 3 years and 9 months imprisonment. Both had pled guilty to being involved in the supply of Class B drug cannabis.

HMA v Gary Meikle

Sep 29, 2023

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Young sentenced Gary Meikle to life imprisonment for the murder of Charles Wilson and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Meikle must serve a minimum of 19 years and 6 months in prison before being considered for parole.

HMA v Colleen Muirhead or Lornie

Sep 28, 2023

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Lord Fairley sentenced Colleen Muirhead or Lornie to 3 years and 4 months in prison. The offender had pled guilty to embezzling £1.5 million over a 6 year period.

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