Latest news with #Barlinnie
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Thugs, thieves and drug dealers could avoid court under radical plans to ease justice system backlog
THUGS, thieves and drug dealers could avoid going to crown court under plans to overhaul the clogged justice system. Offenders may avoid a criminal record and instead be sentenced to do unpaid work or get rehabilitation, it is proposed. 2 Sentences could be cut by 40 per cent, up from a third now, with an early guilty plea. Jury trials would be scrapped for some drug dealers and sex offenders with a judge and two magistrates presiding instead. They could impose sentences of up to three years' jail. The maximum penalty JPs could hand down would double to two years. The shake-up, proposed in a report for the Government by retired judge Sir Brian Leveson, is an attempt to tackle the current backlog of 77,000 crown court cases. It has seen trial dates pushed back as far as 2029. Sir Brian said without the reforms there would be a 'breakdown in law and order' with 'society taking things into their own hands'. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said 'criminals like burglars and some killers will serve just a fifth of their sentences. That makes a mockery of our justice system.' Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove warned higher guilty plea discounts and out-of-court disposals 'will feel like justice diluted again'. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has yet to announce which recommendations she will accept. First convicts leave Barlinnie after Scottish Government release 360 prisoners early due to overcrowding 2
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'The anti-hero who struck terror into defenders'
Every club has had a hard man - often adored by fans - but who is the ultimate tough operator in Everton's history? Chief football writer Phil McNulty is going through his top five on this page on second spot (scroll down to the post below for third place, and to 08:33 BST for fourth and fifth)...Duncan Ferguson'Big Dunc', the idol of Goodison Park, was the anti-hero Everton fans needed and loved when he arrived, initially on loan, from Rangers in late had the ability to strike terror into defenders, with then manager Joe Royle recalling his first match in charge being illuminated by the Scot, who was fired up after a foul by Liverpool's Neil Ruddock. He subsequently terrorised Liverpool's defence, something he made a habit of throughout his Everton career, by scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-0 took any liberties with Ferguson, with even some of the game's hardest figures making it their business not to cross him. Paul Ince, then Liverpool captain, was virtually picked up and thrown to the floor in another Merseyside derby at Anfield, "The Guv'nor" responding by gently ruffling Ferguson's hair in a friendly approach often edged into ill-discipline, with eight red cards in the Premier League - but there was also great ability to go with the fierce physical of course, Ferguson's reputation spread off the field. He served time in the notorious Barlinnie jail, and has told the story of how two burglars made the error of breaking into his house in the early hours while he was there with his family – and how they came off will top McNulty's list? Come back later on Wednesday to find out and have your say.
Scottish Sun
29-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Boss at Scotland's biggest jail probed for ‘buying prisoner air fryer'
A source revealed staff had been left baffled at how the kitchen gadget had made it past guards Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BOSS at Scotland's biggest prison is being investigated over claims they splashed out on an air fryer for an inmate. Stunned rank-and-file officers complained to Barlinnie top brass about the pricey gift, according to insiders. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A top boss at Barlinnie is under investigation Credit: Alamy 3 It is claimed that they bought an air fryer for an inmate Credit: Vortx A source revealed staff had been left baffled at how the kitchen gadget had made it past guards at the notorious Glasgow jail, which houses some of the country's worst criminals. They now believe it was approved and paid for out of a manager's own pocket — sparking accusations of 'special treatment'. An insider said: 'Nobody could work out how the long-term con came to have a top-end air fryer. 'Then it turned out a jail boss had forked out for it, which is just astonishing. 'If it was a basic grade officer they'd have been sacked on the spot. "Everyone was shocked and it seemed nothing was going to be done until staff kicked up a stink. Nobody could work out how the long-term con came to have a top-end air fryer. Then it turned out a jail boss had forked out for it, which is just astonishing A source 'These fryers aren't cheap and you've got to wonder what the public will make of a prisoner getting this kind of special treatment from a jail boss.' It is unclear if the popular appliance was kept in the lag's cell or in a communal spot where it could be used by other cons. Last night Tory MSP Annie Wells backed outraged officers. She said: 'Scots will be gobsmacked that a Barlinnie manager thought it was appropriate to buy an inmate an air fryer. Prison guard who had baby with lag reveals he is BACK in jail for attacking her 'As well as a potential fire risk, it blurs what should be a clear boundary between staff and prisoners.' The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a probe was 'ongoing'. A spokeswoman said: 'This matter is subject to an investigation. You've got to wonder what the public will make of a prisoner getting this kind of special treatment from a jail boss A source "It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further.' Barlinnie, which opened in 1882, will be replaced by HMP Glasgow. It should have been built by 2019 for £100millon but has been delayed until 2028, with the bill rocketing to £1billion. Governor Michael Stoney wants it to be a community hub like a 'Costa coffee' branch. Cons will be able to enjoy luxuries like en-suite cells.
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘The place fell deadly silent' – ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson opens up on ‘terrifying' first day in Barlinnie jail
FORMER Rangers star Duncan Ferguson has vividly recalled how it felt to enter Barlinnie for the first time. The former Ibrox hero spent a total of 44 days in the tough Glasgow prison after headbutting Raith Rovers defender John McStay during a game while he was on probation. 3 A general view of HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow Credit: PA 3 Duncan Ferguson during his time Credit: Ken MacPherson - Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow The big striker went on to grace Everton and Newcastle with distinction, even if the fallout from the affair stopped him going on to become a Scotland hero. And now Ferguson, last seen in the Scottish game as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has lifted the lid on the affair in his new autobiography, Big Dunc. He told the Daily Mirror: "I was a young man, I was fearless, I didn't care. "I had this approach that I had to get in there and get it done but it was obviously terrifying. "They knew I was coming. I was in D Hall and when I walked in there for the first time, the place fell deadly silent. "People were all on the landings. It was like a coliseum, all eyes were on me. It was not an easy experience." Ferguson, who insists he's "not the big hard case everyone makes me out to be", also lifted the lid on the struggles with alcohol which dogged him before he made the decision to give up drinking some 15 years ago. He said: "When I retired from playing and I was still drinking, I got myself in a wee bit of trouble. "I had stopped playing football but the violence was still there off the field. I knew then that I had to stop. "I moved to Majorca and it was easy to drink every day. And, before you know it, you ARE drinking every day. Duncan Ferguson advertises vegan croissants and fans are absolutely baffled "But one day, I woke up and knew I had to stop - and did. I have not touched a drop since." Ferguson admits he looks back and winces at some of the 'hard man' stuff - including shunning David Beckham when he offered to shake his hand following a match. Ferguson said: "I think Manchester United had just won the league at Everton - or just a crucial game there - and David Beckham shouted over to me. "He said 'Hey Dunc', and was wanting to shake my hand, putting his hand out. 3 Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson headbutts John McStay Credit: SNS "I turned round and said, 'F*** off'. I then turned my back as if to say, 'Why would I want to shake your hand?' "It was just daft. It was David Beckham, a legend of the Premier League, a world-class footballer, won everything, incredible player - and there was me blanking him. "As the years go on, you just think, 'What a tw*t I was'! I should have been ripping the shirt off his back and keeping it as a memory for my kids." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
