Convictions in Firebomb Attacks Linked to Gang Feud
Three men have been sentenced following a series of firebomb attacks connected to a gangland feud. Marshall O'Hara, 21, Fraser Stewart, 22, and Aiden McLaughlin, 21, targeted residential properties and a carpet business associated with the Daniel crime family.
The trio were identified through CCTV and doorbell camera footage, including a notable clip showing McLaughlin's trainers catching fire as he jumped from the roof of one of the attack sites.
O'Hara and Stewart received prison terms of seven-and-a-half years each, while McLaughlin was sentenced to three years.
Sentencing Remarks and Court Proceedings
During sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lord Mulholland described the offenses as:
"sheer naked gangsterism, pure and simple".
He warned of the potential for more severe consequences, stating:
"You could have quite easily been facing a murder charge if matters had taken a different course."
Referencing recent fire incidents in Glasgow, including the Union Street blaze, he added:
"You can see the danger of fires from recent events in Glasgow."
He emphasized that such criminal behavior would not be tolerated by the public, law enforcement, or the courts.
Two of the defendants were observed smiling at members of the public benches as they were escorted back to the cells.
Investigation and Arrests
The arrests were made as part of Operation Portaledge, a police investigation launched in response to escalating gang violence across Scotland's central belt, spanning from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
The initial attack occurred in the early hours on 7 April last year at a residence in Glasgow's Milton area. Present inside were James Daniel, Margaret McIntyre, and two others.
Prior to the attack, O'Hara and Stewart were recorded on footage at Stewart's home in Glasgow's Barlanark area, seen with a length of hosepipe, a black jerry can, and a rucksack.
Prosecutor John Keenan KC detailed the incident:
"The occupants of the targeted house were awoken by a bang and glass smashing. They escaped out a back door as the fire took hold. A bottle filled with petrol was discovered outside."
He further explained:
"The initial assessment was that material had been pushed through the letterbox and set alight. Petrol was detected on both the letterbox and burnt material."
It was also established that a Molotov cocktail had been thrown through a window, causing severe fire damage to a bedroom and the front door.
CCTV footage captured O'Hara and Stewart arriving by car and approaching the house that night.
Keenan described the doorbell camera footage:
"Doorbell footage showed O'Hara pour liquid on the door and he asked: 'Where is the light?'. Stewart then passed a lighter which is used to ignite the accelerant. The door is engulfed in flames."
Subsequent Attacks
Following the initial attack, O'Hara and Stewart proceeded to Stepps in Lanarkshire, where another house was targeted while occupants, including Robert Daniel and others, were asleep.
A fire was started at the property, and a £70,000 BMW X5 parked in the driveway was also set ablaze.
Evidence showed O'Hara dropped a yellow lighter at the scene. He was also recorded on camera exiting a Volkswagen Golf and dousing the 4x4 vehicle with liquid before igniting it.
Stewart assisted by applying accelerant to the door and driveway, resulting in an "explosion of flames," according to Keenan.
Later that same night, all three men participated in firebombing The Carpet Store Factory Outlet in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.
Stewart was initially filmed purchasing two green jerry cans at a garage, which were later filled with petrol. McLaughlin, from Easterhouse in Glasgow, was recorded paying for the fuel.
The carpet business sustained extensive damage due to the fire.
Keenan described the attack:
"Footage captured O'Hara and Stewart emptying the cans as McLaughlin climbed onto the roof. McLaughlin then crouched down and set fire to the roof causing a large explosion. He was forced to jump as the flames take hold and his footwear catches fire."
O'Hara appeared to record the attack on his phone.
Final Attack and Aftermath
The fourth attack occurred a week later, on 14 April, at another property in Bishopbriggs. Norman and Margaret Daniel were present at the time.
They were awakened by flames and promptly called emergency services. A fire extinguisher was used to control the blaze.
Ring doorbell footage again showed O'Hara wearing the same jacket as in a previous incident. He was seen pouring accelerant onto the front door and walls from a petrol can.
Keenan stated:
"He attempted to ignite it, but dropped the lighter. The footage cuts off just before the fire is started."
Stewart was also involved and was reportedly filming the event on his phone.
The men then fled to Stewart's residence, carrying three jerry cans. It is believed that at least one of them received a relatively small payment of £300 for participating, primarily to repay drug debts, according to their legal representatives.
Pleas and Legal Representation
O'Hara and Stewart pleaded guilty to four counts of wilful fire-raising, while McLaughlin admitted involvement in the Carpet Store blaze.
McLaughlin's lawyer, Paul Mullen, informed the court that his client was genuinely remorseful and had expressed to a social worker:
"I regret every bit of this".
Additional Court Orders
The judge also issued non-harassment orders preventing the men from contacting or approaching two of the victims targeted in the fire attacks.
