HERE is a round-up of the latest news from police incidents across Edinburgh and the Lothians as of Thursday, 19 December.
Appeal for two men in connection to Bonfire Night chaos in Gracemount
Police Scotland have released images of two more men officers believe might be able to assist with enquiries into the Bonfire Night chaos of Tuesday, 5 November, at Captains Road, in the Gracemount area of Edinburgh.
The first male is described as white, between 20 and 22-years-old, 5ft 4ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing a black baggy jumper with the hood up and a black Canada Goose puffer jacket with a logo on the left arm and dark trousers.
The second male is described as a white, between 20 and 25-years-old with fair/blond hair. He was wearing a grey North Face jacket with black sleeves to the elbows, then grey from elbow to wrists, a red hoodie underneath, black Nike trousers and black Nike trainers with white soles
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to talk to these males as we believe they may have information which could assist with our enquiries.
“The males pictured, or anyone who may recognise them, are asked to please contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting Gracemount incident dated 5 November 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Man jailed for subjecting women to violent and sexual abuse
A man was jailed for 16 years yesterday after subjecting numerous women to violent and sexual abuse.
Luke Ford was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
The 35-year-old is also the first person to be convicted of “stealthing” in Scotland, meaning that he told women he was having sex with that he was using a condom when in fact he was deceiving them.
Ford came to the attention of police in June 2020 after officers attended an address in Edinburgh following a report of an assault.
An investigation was subsequently launched with officers discovering Ford had targeted several other women over an extended period.
Through enquiries, officers built a case against him, and he was arrested and charged in February 2021.
In May 2023 he was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of numerous offences, including rape, attempted rape, multiple assaults and being in possession of extreme sexual abuse images.
Detective inspector Steven Gray said: “Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator.
“I would like to acknowledge how hard this has been for those involved and to also tell them that their testimonies vastly contributed to Ford being convicted.
“I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.
“Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse should contact us.
“Please be assured that we will do everything we can to ensure we arrest the perpetrators of such crimes.”
Police issue e-bikes and e-scooter advice ahead of festive season
Police Scotland have urged people to be cautious when buying electric bikes or e-scooters this festive season, as some models may not be permitted for use on public roads.
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly common in towns and cities across Scotland, with most being used appropriately and in line with current legal guidelines.
However, some vehicles are being modified to exceed speed and power limits, which can reclassify them under motorcycle legislation.
From the beginning of January 2024 and the end of September 2024, officers have made 281 seizures.
Inspector Hugh Niccolls said: “This year officers have seized a growing number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland.
“E-bikes can legally be used on public roads if they meet specific requirements, including that the motor should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph and must have a maximum power output of 250 watts.
“Vehicles that exceed these limits are motor vehicles and are subject to the Road Traffic Act, meaning the rider must hold a full UK driving license, have insurance, and wear an approved helmet.
“Failure to comply with these legal requirements could face enforcement action under the Road Traffic Act.
“E-scooters, however, are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other public spaces, as they do not meet the necessary legal standards.
“Their use is only legal on private land with the landowner’s consent.
“Anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers and removed to a contractor’s yard, with a significant cost to the owner.
“Additionally, using vehicles that do not meet legal requirements poses a serious safety risk, increasing the likelihood of injuries to both riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians.
“If you are buying an e-bike or e-scooter this Christmas, please check its specifications to ensure it complies with legal requirements.
“If you already own one that does not meet these standards, I urge you to keep it off public roads to avoid penalties and avoid risking the safety of others.”
For further information on the use of electric bikes visit: https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
