Connor Gordon

Ali Hamuda, 66, was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court of defrauding barber Mostafa Elshehawi of between £65,000 and £70,000. Hamuda allegedly claimed to work for Egyptian special services, invented threats involving Israeli intelligence and Jewish conspirators, and pressured Elshehawi to pay for protection while isolating him from others. He also told the victim that former Celtic player Kris Commons was a Mossad general using football as cover and urged him to seek money from Commons and Gary Hooper. Hamuda avoided prison, received a one-year electronically monitored curfew, and was ordered to pay compensation within 12 months.

Gabriel Brown was convicted of murdering Joseph Johnston in Annan in 2024 after stabbing him 22 times, severing and consuming his finger, carving letters into his face, and setting fires to cover up the crime. Brown claimed possession by Aleister Crowley, but jurors rejected his defence and found him guilty. The court heard the attack was a punishment linked to claims about Johnston’s past relationship with Brown’s step‑mother. Lord Mulholland warned Brown may never be released. Police Scotland expressed hope the verdict offers some comfort to the victim’s family.

A 16-year-old on trial for murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay testified that he stabbed the victim in self-defence after believing Amen was about to attack his co-accused with a knife during a confrontation in Glasgow. The boy described a long-standing feud, prior violent incidents, and possessing the sword used in the fatal encounter. He recounted the events leading to the stabbing, his actions afterward, and his claim that he did not know Amen had died. The trial continues before Judge Lord Colbeck.

A 19‑year‑old Arnold Clark apprentice crashed an Audi at high speed into six parked vehicles near a Glasgow workshop after misjudging a bend and mounting the pavement. The incident caused extensive damage but no injuries. Hasan Azam admitted careless driving, claiming brake failure, though the defence suggested pedal confusion. Azam lost his apprenticeship following the crash and now works in a factory. Sheriff Simone Sweeney imposed a £625 fine and eight penalty points.

Witnesses described seeing a confrontation involving masked youths before 15‑year‑old Amen Teklay collapsed bleeding on a Glasgow street. Testimony detailed a possible weapon being dropped and the victim’s injuries, while prosecutors presented phone search histories and videos allegedly linking a 16‑year‑old defendant to weapons, stabbing inquiries and content referencing the incident. Messages shown in court included accusations and responses suggesting threats and claims of self‑defence. Evidence from both the accused’s and the victim’s phones was reviewed as the trial continued before Judge Lord Colbeck.