Teenagers jailed for unprovoked racist assaults

A TRIO of teenagers who carried out unprovoked racist assaults on two victims were jailed today.

Liam McBurnie and Frank Jamieson were jailed for 32 months at Livingston Sheriff Court while Ross Potts was sentenced to two years following the attack in Falconer Rise, Livingston on December 5.

The three attackers, who are all 18-years-old, threw a bottle at a 33-year-old man during the incident.

The trio then began punching and kicking another man, also aged 33, before striking him to the head with a bottle. The victim suffered serious injury to his eye and face and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

The other victim sustained only a minor injury after being struck by the bottle.

Police quickly arrested all three suspects who pled guilty to the assaults earlier this month.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Gachagan welcomed the sentences and assured the public that officers are committed to tackling hate crime across the Lothians.

DCI Gachagan said: “Both victims were minding their own business when they were subjected to a violent and unprovoked attack, which was purely motivated by the colour of their skin.

“Officers quickly responded to this incident and after the three men were charged a robust body of evidence was built against them, resulting in their guilty pleas in court.

“It is my hope that both men can now put this ordeal behind them following their assault.

“Police Scotland will not tolerate hate crime in any form and those found to be responsible can expect to be punished within the fullest extent of the law.

“Victims of hate crime are encouraged to report all offences to police or via the charity Crimestoppers, where they will be investigated thoroughly.”