Edinburgh Bonfire Night yob avoids jail
The scaffolder was one of a large group who threw fireworks at police and the public on 5 November 2023
Last updated 17th Feb 2025
A 19 year old - who took part in Bonfire Night violence in 2023 - has been spared jail.
Dean Gorrie, 19, will now have to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work, for what a Sheriff described as “utterly disgraceful and horrendous” conduct.
The scaffolder was one of a large group who threw fireworks at police and the public on 5 November.
Gorrie was also caught on CCTV throwing a brick through a Lothian bus window, whilst around 15-20 passengers were inside.
Sheriff Komorowski described Gorrie’s conduct as “utterly disgraceful and horrendous”, but acknowledged he’d “appeared to have put his life on track”.
If it was not for his age, compliance with an electronic tag order over the last year, and a lack of previous convictions - the sheriff said a jail sentence of “years not months” would have been likely.
Instead, the 19 year old was sentenced to 50 hours of unpaid work, to be carried out over six months.
Defence solicitor, Nicola Haston, has said after the sentencing: "A horrible crime and one that’s continued to affect communities in the south of Edinburgh".
She added "It's a big wake up call".
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: "We note the sentencing of Dean Gorrie for his involvement in serious disorder during Bonfire Night 2023.
"The offences Gorrie committed during this time put the safety of police officers, emergency service workers, and members of the public at serious risk and he was subsequently arrested as a result of a thorough and professional investigation.
"We have been working closely with our partners at COPFS during the criminal inquiries into offences that took place on last year's Bonfire Night to secure strong criminal justice outcomes for those involved."