Major Glasgow crime gang behind bars
The nine-strong mob includes cocaine baron Mark Richardson and ex-army veteran turned gun-runner Martyn Fitzsimmons
Last updated 6th Dec 2017
A major crime gang are behind bars after a large-scale police probe into violence, drugs, firearms and dirty money.
The nine-strong mob includes cocaine baron Mark Richardson and ex-army veteran turned gun-runner Martyn Fitzsimmons.
Prosecutors had listed a total of 28 charges which included the shooting of underworld figure Ross Monaghan outside a Glasgow primary school.
But, following a series of pre-trial hearings - amid heightened security at the High Court in Glasgow - the gang pled guilty to reduced charges.
Fitzsimmons (37) - also allegedly involved in the Monaghan attack - instead pled guilty to also having a Glock and ammunition as well as hiding £36,000 of dirty money.
Anthony Woods (44), Francis Mulligan (41) and Michael Bowman (30) each accepted roles in “serious organised crime”.
Steven McArdle (33) admitted to having a Glock firearm.
He admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Judge Lord Beckett remanded them all in custody and adjourned the case until later this month.
The move - believed to be a first for a Scottish high court - is designed to tackle the country's organised criminal gangs.
A number of locations across Scotland - including Glasgow and West Lothian - as well as the north of England were listed.
But, prosecutors accepted not guilty pleas from Richardson and Fitzsimmons - the only two charged with taking part.
However, Docherty instead pled guilty to an amended charge of discharging a firearm at a property to the danger of others.
More information is expected to be heard when the group next return to the dock.
The charge states Mr Allan was restrained with cable ties, chains and padlocks at a house in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Prosecutors state he was assaulted and left with a broken leg before being driven 'against his will' to East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.
Sell pled guilty in court to abducting and assaulting Mr Allan to his permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of his life.
However, Richardson hit the headlines in 2010 after he was locked up for 10 years for a £2m cocaine and heroin haul.
The former army lance corporal was involved in the theft of army ammunitions and explosives to sell to gangsters.
Armed officers patrolled the building while anyone wanting to hear proceedings had to go through an airport style scanner.