Masked Scots men jailed for Dundee forest attack

Three men dressed in capes, masks and camouflage gear who carried out a 'terrifying' robbery on a group of teenage boys camping in the woods were jailed yesterday.

The men were sentenced by Fiscal Depute Eilidh Robertson at Dundee Sheriff Court. Image: TSPL

The four boys, aged 14 and 15, were camping in Baldragon Woods in Dundee’s Clatto Country Park in March 2014 when the three men - Adam Parkin, Kieran McIntyre and Liam Scott - hauled them out of their tents, telling them: “Get out or I’ll blow your head off.”

The boys, who cannot be named due to their age, were forced to sit on nearby rocks while torches were shone in their eyes, Dundee Sheriff Court was told. Parkin, who was wearing a cape, demanded they hand over any valuables they had.

One of the boys had the barrel of a rifle put against the back of his head by Parkin and was then marched into his tent to retrieve his mobile phone. The terrified youngsters were then ordered to stay in their tents until sunrise or they “would be shot”.

One of the thugs later told police it was “intended as a joke”.

Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court the boys were left “fearing for their lives” by the attack.

She went on: “The boys, two aged 14 and two aged 15, were camping and set up their tent and made a small fire, which they sat by until 11pm before going to sleep.

“Some time after midnight they were aware of rustling outside the tent and saw torchlights. A torch was then shone in and Liam Scott, putting on an English accent, said ‘are you getting up then’. Parkin then, also putting on an English accent, said ‘get out of the tent’.

“Three of the boys exited and Parkin was seen pointing a rifle at them and said ‘run and you will get shot’.

“All of the males were dressed in camouflage, military style clothing with faces masked and only eyes visible.”

The terrified boys then handed over mobile phones, cash and cigarettes.

McIntyre, 21, of Campbell Street, Dundee, Scott, 19, of Eden Street, Dundee, and Parkin, 20, of St Dennis Terrace, Dundee, all pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of assault and robbery. Scott and Parkin futher admitted charges of possessing an air rifle without lawful authority during the attack, on March 7, 2014.

David Sinclair, for Scott, said: “He knows the terror he has imposed on these young boys and is extremely regretful and knows that he may pay a heavy price for

it.”

Solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin, for Parkin, added: “He’s extremely contrite and indicated at interview he was disgusted by his involvement.”

Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC jailed all three for 18 months each, describing the incident as a “terrifying experience” for the young boys.