Teenager Detained Following Bonfire Night Violence in Edinburgh
A 19-year-old involved in a masked gang that assaulted police officers during a Bonfire Night riot in Edinburgh has been sentenced to detention in a young offenders' institution.
Finlay Burns was seen launching rockets and missiles at police and damaging an unmarked police vehicle during the disturbances in the capital on 5 November 2024.
Burns distributed fireworks to younger gang members and encouraged them to attack officers in the Gracemount area of Edinburgh.
At Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Gillian Sharp imposed a detention sentence of 16 months and 24 days on Burns.
Burns, a resident of Edinburgh, was identified through CCTV footage captured during the violent events and later arrested, with his distinctive clothing aiding identification.
He pleaded guilty last month to charges including mobbing and rioting, as well as culpable and reckless conduct endangering life.
The charges were brought under Section 44 of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, with aggravation due to the use of fireworks against emergency workers.
The incident was among several violent outbreaks across Edinburgh that evening, prompting Police Scotland to deploy riot officers and a helicopter under Operation Crackle.
Additionally, the fire service was targeted, and Lothian Buses suspended services after public transport vehicles were struck with fireworks and bricks.
Court Evidence and Footage
Fiscal depute Emma Laing presented court footage depicting Burns alongside approximately 50 masked youths launching fireworks, rocks, and bottles at police officers.
Another video showed the group advancing along Gracemount Road, attacking and vandalising an unmarked police car parked roadside.
Burns was identified as part of the group that jumped on, kicked, and shattered all the vehicle's windows.
A third video revealed three police vans being attacked by the gang, who threw fireworks at the vehicles as they moved along Captain's Road.
Defence and Mitigation
In mitigation, the defence emphasised the need to distinguish the widespread disorder from the specific actions of Burns, noting that no one was directly injured by his conduct.
The court was informed that Burns had no prior convictions, had complied with bail conditions, and was currently employed as a joiner.
Procurator Fiscal's Statement
"Finlay Burns' reckless and dangerous behaviour put police officers at risk of serious harm and threatened homes and families during a large-scale public disturbance.
He not only took part in this disorder but openly incited younger members of the gang to attack officers who were in attendance.
The level of lawless conduct directed towards them during this incident was wholly unacceptable. However, Burns has now been held accountable for his actions.
I hope that this prosecution, and today's sentence, reassure the public that those who engage in this type of criminal behaviour will be met with the full force of the law.
We will continue to prosecute where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so."
Faith Currie, procurator fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, made the above remarks regarding the case.
