Catherine Leahy found guilty of interfering in drugs trial in first case of its kind in Scotland

A juror who accepted a bribe has been jailed in the first prosecution of its kind in Scotland.



Catherine Leahy served on a jury in a drug trafficking and money laundering trial at the high court in Glasgow, which returned a not proven verdict in April 2016 after three days of deliberation.

A police investigation was launched after information was passed to the Crown Office about an alleged bribe to a juror. Audio surveillance was used to capture recordings of Leahy talking to a family member at her home in Glasgow about the allegations against her.

At her trial at the high court in Glasgow, the Crown Office said Leahy had received nearly £3,000, paid in four instalments into her bank account, between April and June 2016. Prosecutors linked the payments to the charge against Leahy, which was described as “a serious breach of public duty”.

Last month, she was found guilty of agreeing to receive money for not properly carrying out her role as a juror.

On Thursday, at the high court in Edinburgh, Leahy, 62, was sentenced to six years in jail.

In his sentencing statement, released by the Scottish judiciary, Lord Turnbull said: “To agree to accept a bribe from, or on behalf of the accused whilst serving as a juror in a high court trial, involves conduct which reflects such a serious breach of the public duty that forms the cornerstone of justice in our society as to constitute conduct at the most serious end of that contemplated by the provisions of the Bribery Act.

“The nature and seriousness of the lengthy trial in which you served as a juror, and accepted the position of spokesperson, aggravates the offence even further. It is obvious that a very lengthy custodial sentence is merited by such conduct.”

Leahy is the first juror to be prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010.

Turnbull said the maximum sentence for the offence was 10 years but he took into account mitigating factors, including her lengthy history of employment and the fact she had never previously offended.

Prosecutors are giving further consideration to the circumstances of the original trial in which Leahy served as a juror. The Crown can ask the court for authority to bring a fresh prosecution in cases where a person was previously acquitted in certain circumstances, including when an offence against the course of justice in the original trial is considered to have been committed.

Liam Murphy, procurator-fiscal for specialist casework, said: “The role of the jury sits at the heart of our criminal justice system and is fundamental to our rule of law. This is the first prosecution of its kind in Scotland, which shows that cases of jury interference are exceptionally rare.

“Leahy took advantage of a position of public responsibility for financial gain without any regard to the consequences.”</s>Jamie Bhatti has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Glasgow Warriors.

READ MORE - Callum Gibbins says Glasgow must improve in Pro14 play-offs

The loose-head prop has impressed for the Warriors since making his debut last season and will remain at Scotstoun for at least another 12 months.

The 24-year-old has made himself a fixture of the Scotland squad this term, playing in every one of the national team’s autumn Test internationals and the five matches in the Six Nations.

Speaking to Warriors TV, Bhatti said: “It’s been a whirlwind of a year. I came in for my first pre-season as a professional, got the opportunity to start a game at the beginning of the season and then managed to start most of the games after that.

“I then got in the Autumn Test squad and won my first cap for Scotland and played in all three games.

“I was playing for Scotland again in the Six Nations and now coming to the business end of the season I have eight caps (for Scotland) and I’ve played 25 times for the club, so it’s been a good first year as a professional.

“I just love being at this club. I want to keep improving as a player and I believe this is the right place for me to do that.”

Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys added: “It’s great news for the club that Jamie is staying in Glasgow.

“He has really stepped up for both club and country this season and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop.”</s>MSPs last night voted to call on the UK government to allow a safe room to be created where addicts can take drugs.

Arguing for the safer drug use facility to be set up in Glasgow, public health minister Aileen Campbell said it would save lives.

Ms Campbell said the Scottish Government could not give the go ahead for a Safe Drugs Consumption Facility (SCDF) in the city because drugs policy is reserved to Westminster.

There were 867 drugs deaths in Scotland in 2016 – up 23 per cent from the previous year – including 160 in Glasgow.

Ms Cambell argued “bold ideas could be what makes the difference”. She is due to raise the issue in a meeting with Home Office minister Victoria Atkins next month,

Ms Campbell was speaking in a Holyrood debate which eventually saw a majority of MSPs back a Scottish Government motion calling for Westminster to “make the necessary changes to allow the introduction of a facility in Glasgow”.

MSPs voted by 79 to 27 with one abstention to back a Scottish Government motion asking the UK government to introduce the change.

READ MORE: What is the value of the illegal drugs market in Scotland?

A Tory amendment which “recognises concerns regarding this approach” was rejected by 80 votes to 27. A Labour amendment “believing that this is too important an issue for it to become a constitutional conflict between the Scottish and UK governments” was also rejected by 54 votes to 47 with six abstentions.

A Lib Dem amendment calling for the introduction of a regulated market for cannabis was voted down by 98 to 9.

Ms Campbell said: “Unfortunately at this time we are as a nation curtailed as to what we can do in response to the problems we face from substance use. However, the existing situation in Glasgow is serious enough to warrant considering alternative approaches, including a supervised consumption room, and pushing for a change in the legislation to let this happen.

“There are SCDFs in over 70 cities around the world, but not a single one in the UK. And I would argue this position is no longer tenable.”

Glasgow City Council has already backed the creation of such a centre in a bid to help combat the current rise in HIV infections in the area. The idea also has the support of Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens.

But Glasgow Tory MSP Annie Wells said she didn’t support a drug taking safe room, despite losing friends to illegal substances. She argued it would “mask why we have reached this crisis point”.</s>Demolition will begin later this year to make way for what developers claim will be Scotland's "healthiest workspace".

Plans for the new £100m development in Glasgow include 277,500sq ft of Grade A space over 12 levels. Dubbed "The Grid", Developers M&G Real Estate say it will rival new schemes in London and elsewhere throughout the UK.

It will be built on the site of the former Corunna House at 33 Cadogan Street in Glasgow's Central Business District, and aims to secure "Gold" WELL certification from the International WELL Building Institute.

Designed by Glasgow-based Cooper Cromar, it will include an enhanced public realm with widened paving, trees, seating and drop-off point. There will also be a dedicated street level cyclist entrance to the left of the main entrance.

Demolition of the existing building is planned for later this year, with completion achievable by late 2021. William Badger, asset manager at M&G Real Estate, said it is expected to attract strong interest given the lack of new Grade A space in both Glasgow and Edinburgh .

"Ways of working are changing fast, and so must the buildings we create," Badger said.

"Workspace is one of the key contributors to staff wellbeing , and we are very excited to present our vision to the market. We believe we have created something that is truly special and unique in the Glasgow market."

Office floors will range from 20,944 to 23,834sq ft, with workspace designed to provide maximum flexibility. The double-height reception will include space for co-working, while at roof level there will be a communal business lounge and garden.</s>Scottish rugby is 20 years behind New Zealand when it comes to sports psychology, according to Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Jason O’Halloran, who has also found that players here are less able to respond positively to constructive criticism.

Formerly assistant coach with the national team under his fellow-New-Zealand Vern Cotter, O’Halloran is not usually outspoken in his assessment of the state of rugby here. But, speaking at a Warriors press conference yesterday, the 46-year-old suggested that Glasgow’s patchy away form – and indeed Scotland’s poor performances on the road – might best be addressed by concentrating more on the mental side of the game.

“I think in the long term, getting some quality sports psych around all of Scottish rugby will really help – but it’s not something you can bring in at this stage of the season,” O’Halloran said. “We [Glasgow] are trying to source a provider. We’ve looked at two or three different people, so hopefully we can get something sorted out. I think it will be really beneficial.

“From my point of view, as a Kiwi having come over here two years ago now, that’s the biggest area for growth in Scottish rugby, the whole sports psych thing. I don’t think it’s done particularly well at all. It’s often just seen as a bit of voodoo and witch-doctor stuff, which is where we were at in New Zealand probably 20 years ago. It’s a crucial part of the game and I think it’s something we could do a lot better.

“I must admit when I came here, that was a real eye-opener for me, just how far behind New Zealand we are and how that affects our players as individuals – particularly around how they accept feedback. Sometimes Scottish boys can see any sort of constructive feedback as ‘You’re having a go at me’. That’s a big issue and dictates the way you coach and the way you give feedback or constructive criticism. That continues to be a balance for us as Kiwi coaches.

“With Kiwi boys, you just give it to them and they either take it, take it on board and do the things you asked them to do to improve, or there are four others waiting and the sheer competition means they will lose out. They’re probably a little more motivated at times.”

O’Halloran moved to Scotstoun when Gregor Townsend moved in the opposite direction and Vern Cotter’s tenure as Scotland coach came to an end. But he retains a keen interest in the national team, and believes that if the progress shown this season continues, they can keep climbing the world rankings.

“I don’t see any reason Scotland can’t be in the top three of world rugby in the next 24 months with the group they have got if they continue to grow. Look at the internationals this year and the way they pushed the All Blacks. I know it was a 14-man Australian team for much of [the game], but they put them to the sword really well.

“They were fantastic against England. And had they taken a couple of opportunities against Ireland . . . . After 20 minutes, Ireland looked a little bit shellshocked, like ‘This is not going well’. Had Scotland taken a couple of chances . . . . ”

While the search for a sports psychologist goes on, the immediate concern for O’Halloran and Warriors head coach Dave Rennie is Saturday’s Pro14 match against Ulster. Last week’s home win over Connacht finally ensured Glasgow will have a home semi-final, so the match in Belfast will have no vital bearing on league position – but it will give the squad another chance to put things right on the road, especially after their last away game was a pretty dismal defeat by Scarlets.

“We know that ultimately if we’re going to go away in a final, potentially against a Leinster or a Munster, we need to find some form on the road after that Scarlets show a couple of weeks ago,” the assistant coach added. “It just went to show that even though we can have a really good side it doesn’t mean we can just sleepwalk into games and expect teams to roll over for us. That’s still a challenge for us on the road – making sure that mentally we’re right to give ourselves the best chance to perform well.”</s>A mum who took a bribe while serving as a juror during a drugs trial has been jailed for six years.

Catherine Leahy, 62, trousered almost £3000 in payments while deliberating during proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow.

The ex-classroom assistant was caught after police received a tip-off that she had broken bribery laws.

Detectives decided to bug her home in the city’s Springboig and collected enough evidence to prove she had broken the law.

Leahy was the spokeswoman on a jury who acquitted Graham Clark, an alleged drug dealer, and others.

Prosecutors are considering whether to try Clark again.

Yesterday, Leahy’s lawyer Thomas Ross QC told the High Court in Edinburgh his client cared for her parents and husband before they died and added that prison would be “extremely difficult” for Leahy.

It is the first case of its type in Scottish legal history.

No jurors had previously been prosecuted in Scotland for corrupt behaviour.

Passing sentence, Lord Turnbull said: “To agree to accept a bribe from or on behalf of the accused while serving as a juror in that High Court trial involved conduct that is such a serious breach of the public duty that forms a cornerstone of our freedom.”

Last month, prosecutor Iain McSporran QC told the court that police discovered four payments of £300, £1000, £1200 and £330 were made to Leahy’s accounts between April 19 and June 2, 2016.

Leahy denied the accusations and claimed the money came from a cheque from a British Shipbuilders pension and a savings club.

The decision to bug her home was made after a meeting between the Lord Advocate and Scotland’s most senior judge, the Lord President.

She shared the property with her son Joseph, 22.

Jurors heard one conversation in which Joseph said: “Mum, it wasn’t just you that got bribed so that now when they come to you, you’re a step ahead.”

Leahy replied: “There is nothing that can link you with them.”

The trial of Clarke, his wife Lindsay and others ran from November 2015 to April 2016. All charges against Clarke were not proven, while his wife was convicted of mortgage fraud.

Lord Turnbull told Leahy that jail was the only sentence available to him.

He added: “Your evidence to this court in which you denied your actions was quite ridiculous.”</s>One of the biggest celebrations of contemporary art in the UK will open in Glasgow on Friday, 20 April.

GI - the Glasgow International festival of art - is the biggest to date, featuring the work of 268 artists in 78 venues.</s>A juror has been jailed for six years after being found guilty of accepting a bribe in the first prosecution of its kind in Scotland.

Catherine Leahy, 62, served on a jury in a drug trafficking and money laundering trial which returned a not proven verdict in April 2016 following three days of deliberation at the High Court in Glasgow.

A police investigation was launched after information was passed to Crown Office staff regarding an alleged bribe to a juror.

Police then used covert audio surveillance to capture recordings of Leahy talking with a family member at her Glasgow home about the allegations against her.

Her trial at the High Court in Glasgow heard Leahy had nearly £3,000 paid in four instalments into her bank account between April and June 2016, the Crown Office said.

Prosecutors linked the bank payments to the charge against Leahy.

At the High Court in Glasgow last month, Leahy was found guilty of agreeing to receive money for not properly carrying out her role as a juror.

She is the first juror to be prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010.

Leahy was sentenced to six years in jail at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, the Crown Office said.

Liam Murphy, procurator fiscal for Specialist Casework, said: “The role of the jury sits at the heart of our criminal justice system and is fundamental to our rule of law.

“This is the first prosecution of its kind in Scotland which shows that cases of jury interference are exceptionally rare.

“Leahy took advantage of a position of public responsibility for financial gain without any regard to the consequences.

“The prosecution against Leahy was built on a thorough and complex investigation by Police Scotland using covert surveillance to uncover the true nature of the offence.”

Prosecutors are now giving further consideration to the circumstances of the original trial in which Leahy served as a juror.

The Crown can ask the court for authority to bring a fresh prosecution in cases where a person was previously acquitted in certain circumstances, including when an offence against the course of justice in the original trial is considered to have been committed.</s>A family are growing concerned after a 13-year-old boy has been reported missing from Glasgow.

Brendan Bratby was last seen at an address on Swinton Place, Cardonald at around 3.45pm on Tuesday.

He is described as being of Asian appearance, 4ft 10, of slim build with brown eyes.

He has short black hair, wears blue rimmed glasses and has round facial features.

When he was last seen he was wearing a white t-shirt, black jacket with tartan lining, grey joggers and blue trainers.

Inspector Derek Kelly said: "Brendan is a vulnerable 13-year-old and is relatively new to Glasgow, therefore it is out of character for him to stay away from his home for so long without anybody knowing where he is.

"He has family in both Glasgow and Blackburn, none of whom have heard from him and therefore concern is growing.

"Officers have been speaking to those who know him and checking CCTV in the surrounding area in efforts to trace him.

"We know he does not have any money or a phone on him so do not believe he will have travelled far.

"We would appeal for anyone who knows of Brendan's whereabouts, or has seen anyone matching his description to come forward and contact us.

"We would also appeal to Brendan himself to come forward and let his family or the police know that he is okay."

Download: The STV News app is Scotland's favourite and is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from Google Play. Download it today and continue to enjoy STV News wherever you are.</s>The 2018 Business Fours tournament for golf-loving companies throughout Scotland teed off with the Glasgow qualifier.

Supported by insider.co.uk and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, a host of teams took to the stunning championship course at Mar Hall near Erskine for a fantastic day of golf.

Players from Insider joined keen golfers from Clydesdale Bank, Equator Scotland, Brewin Dolphin and Begbies Traynor competing for individual prizes and team qualification for the national finals in St Andrews at the end of May.

Business Fours' stableford format sees the combined scores of colleagues from companies taking part deciding who qualifies for St Andrews.

For pairings, players are split up to allow for networking opportunities on the day, as well as some good quality golf.

The heavy overnight rain thankfully stopped as play commenced under blue skies and the conditions were great on the course - especially the quick and immaculate greens.

There was various individual prizes up for grabs at the event supported by tournament prizes sponsor, demolition and industrial dismantling specialists, Kinetic Demolition.

The 'nearest the pin' prizes were picked up by Gordon MacDonald from Brewin Dolphin and guest of Insider.co.uk for the day, Martin Egan of Dawn Homes, at holes 6 and 10 respectively.

The bragging rights of the 'longest drive' belonged to Michael Wood from Equator Scotland for his cracking shot at the 5th.

The 'longest putt' on the 18th green was holed out by John Laird from Begbies Traynor from all of 25ft.

The eventual winners came from Clydesdale Bank under the guidance of team captain Craig Wilson and bolstered by some fine scoring from Graeme Imrie as they capped their maiden Business Fours event with a victory.

The winners will have the honour of wearing their new Royal & Awesome Tartan Troos at St Andrews.

The team competition was close with Brewin Dolphin and Begbies Traynor qualifying behind runners up, Insider.co.uk.

As like Business Fives, Business Fours also raises money for charity - with a donation going to the winners' good cause.

The four charities in the running at the final to win the Business Fours donation are Hospice UK chosen by Clydesdale Bank, CHAS chosen by Insider, the Glasgow Children's Charity Hospital chosen by Begbies Traynor and Winning Scotland Foundation chosen by Brewin Dolphin.

The best performing fourball on the day was captained by Brent Romany from Equator Scotland playing alongside colleague David Petrie, Scott Allan from Brewin Dolphin and Business Fours ambassador Jim Melrose, the former professional footballer shared stories from his playing career during the prize presentation.

Meanwhile there is also Business Fours charity raffle - supported by the Scottish Open.

The Business Fours action continues on Tuesday in Edinburgh on the championship course at Dalmahoy before going down to the Borders for the Construction, Housing and Property event then the qualifying action comes to a close at Aboyne Golf Club in Aberdeen for the Energy event.

There is still time to submit your team here.
The High Court in Glasgow jails corrupt juror Catherine Leahy for six years in the first case of its kind in Scotland.