blog

AmnesiA-Radio.com

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:39:09 +0100

Welcome to AmnesiA-radio,We are looking for new and exciting DJs to be part of the Team. We are recruiting DJs worldwide so hit us up in chat or on facebook.

Hundreds turn out as Stewart Gillespie is laid to rest

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:37:32 +0100

A grisly chapter in Paisley’s gangland past was finally closed yesterday as former crime boss Stewart Gillespie was laid to rest.

Hundreds of mourners turned out to bid farewell to 53-year-old Gillespie, who died during adisturbance at his home in the Gallowhill area of town earlier this month.

Back in the 1990s, dad-of-two Gillespie was among the most feared men in Paisley.

He was released from prison two years ago, having served 14 years behind bars for the murder of rival drug dealer Mark Rennie.

However, Gillespie met his own end after being found lying in a pool of blood at his flat in Glencairn Road following a stabbing incident.

There was a low-key policepresence at yesterday’s funeral, which focused on Gillespie’s days growing up in Ferguslie Park and his strong family bonds.

After a service at the J&WGoudie funeral parlour in Maxwellton Street, Gillespie was laid to rest at nearby Woodside Cemetery.

As mourners gathered at the graveside, there was a reading of the popular folk song The Parting Glass, which includes the words “Of all the money e’er I had, I spent it in good company. And all the harm e’er I’ve done, alas, it was to none but me.”

One source told the Paisley Daily Express: “Gillespie certainly had a colourful past and was a well-known figure in Paisley, so it’s not surprising there was a large turnout for his funeral.”

Gillespie’s reputation as ahardened criminal was confirmed in 1996 when he was jailed for the cold-blooded gangland execution of 27-year-old rival Mr Rennie, who was shot dead near his Ferguslie Park home.

He was a central figure in the bloody struggle for control ofPaisley’s drug trade at the time and was also involved in scandal-hit security firm FCB and its links to alleged protection rackets, drug peddling and money laundering.

Paramedics were called toGlencairn Road on Wednesday,

Arrest over Gillespie death

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:37:04 +0100

Detectives probing the death of Paisley gangster Stewart Gillespie have made an arrest.

A 28-year-old man was charged with the 53-year-old’s murder on Saturday.

On Wednesday, crime boss Gillespie – a convicted murderer infamous for his role in the town’s drug wars in the 1990s – was found dead at his daughter’s flat in Gallowhill’s Glencairn Road.

A 32-year-old man was also seriously wounded in the incident.

Yesterday a Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: “A 28-year-old man has been arrested and is presently detained in police custody in connection with the death of 53-year-old Stewart Gillespie following a disturbance in his home in Glencairn Road, Paisley on Wednesday, October 3.

“Relatives are aware. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The accused is expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court this afternoon.

Mum forced to flee with autisitic son calls for inquiry into his treatment

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:36:35 +0100

A mother forced to flee to Spain with her autistic son has called for an inquiry to be held into his “negligent” care by psychiatrists.

Andrew MacVicar left his home in Gallowhill, Paisley, last month in a bid to escape drug treatment required by law.

And he was joined by his desperate mum, Christine, who believes her son’s treatment was driving him to the brink of suicide.

Police are currently making enquiries into the whereabouts of the mother and son as Andrew is the subject of a Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO)

The 50-year-old – who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and was diagnosed as schizophrenic – is said to have become increasingly depressed after the CTO was imposed in 2010.

But mum Christine, 69, told the Paisley Daily Express that they were forced to flee as the drugs were killing her son and making him suicidal.

Speaking from a secret location in Spain, Christine – a retired office worker from Bridge of Weir – said: “Andrew felt helpless because his wishes are not being listened to.

“He hated life and spoke about just going up a hill and dying of hypothermia. He felt that was his only way out, telling us that he felt his life had no meaning and he might as well be dead.

“I had to let him know he wasn’t alone and we were here to help him. So I went with him to Spain. It was a joint decision.”

Andrew’s father, Stuart, stayed behind to look after his disabled brother and was questioned by police about their disappearance.

Christine said that Andrew’s life has been marked by a series of wrongful and negligent treatment of her son by NHS officials and psychiatrists.

He has a history of medical problems, and was diagnosed with Asperger’s 20 years ago.

However, his case culminated in a health tribunal in 2010 after he was sectioned following an incident at his local pub when he smashed glasses with a shinty stick.

“The psychiatrists and doctors who dealt with him at his tribunal know nothing about him.

“At the tribunal, a psychiatrist read a statement that said my son had been convicted of sexual assault. This is completely untrue, and it shows the level to which they are stooping.

“And despite us providing his criminal convictions, this false information was still used in a later risk assessment.”

Andrew’s family are adamant that the 50-year-old’s condition is linked to underlying medical conditions, a theory that has been supported by independent experts.

“We have spoken to a number of experts who have carried out tests on Andrew,” Christine continued:

“Most agree that his condition is brought toxicity from an underlying medical condition.

“It is our opinion that he does not have a mental illness but something that is physical and treatable.”

She continued: “New guidelines released this year about diagnosing autism says that patients must have access to investigations for genetic, immune and metabolic conditions, as well as various scans.

“But despite our arguments to the NHS, they have denied him access to these, saying it doesn’t apply to Andrew.”

She added: “I would ask the Health Minister Alex Neil to launch a full and open inquiry into the care Andrew has received.

“Before this, Andrew was a perfectly capable person. He could cycle the length of the UK, and went lots of places himself.

“But that’s all been taken away from him and he does nothing now but lie in bed all day.

“He has the same right as any person for a full medical investigation into his condition. Even if this proves later that psychiatrists have been negligent, he still has that right.

“But I believe they are covering up their past mistakes. They are corrupt, ignorant, arrogant and unethical.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said neither they nor Mr Neil could comment on an individual’s case. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde also said they were unable to comment.

A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that on September 3 police received a report from social services that Andrew MacVicar, who was subject of a CTO, had absconded from his home in the Gallowhill area of Paisley.

“Inquiries were made and it is believed Andrew and his mother are currently in Spain.

“Inquiries are continuing.”

One dead, one hurt in flat horror

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:36:06 +0100

Officers were called to a property in the Gallowhill area shortly before 11pm where they found two men with serious injuries.

One man, aged 53, died at the scene, while a 32-year-old man was rushed to the town's Royal Alexandra Hospital, where staff today described his condition as "serious but stable".

Police cordoned off the flat in Glencairn Road and officers remained at the scene today.

Door-to-door inquiries are being carried out in the area, and police are checking CCTV images.

A post mortem examination will take place in due course.

Cops probe drugs link after woman found dead in home

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:35:43 +0100

SHOCKED cops found a mum lying dead in her home after they smashed down her door.

The 44-year-old – named locally as Sharon Pratt – was discovered by police on Saturday afternoon.

Officers had been drafted in after they received calls from friends concerned for her welfare.

Cops had to break down the door at her flat in Cluny Drive, Gallowhill ... and once inside, they found the mother-of-one’s body.

Police are examining whether the former Castlehead High pupil’s death was caused by a suspected drugs overdose.

It is thought Ms Pratt, who had a son in his 20s, was living alone at the flat, but that her boyfriend often stayed.

Neighbours told the Paisley Daily Express yesterday that police, as well as ambulance staff and a forensics team, were at the ground-floor property for around seven hours.

A nearby resident – who asked not to be named – said: “To be honest, I didn’t know much about Sharon. She mainly kept herself to herself but I often said hello to her in the street.

“I believe she has one son, but he doesn’t stay with her.”

He continued: “The first thing I knew about the whole thing was when I saw the police at her home on Saturday afternoon.

“They had to batter down the door to get in, and I think that’s when they found her.

“After that, the police were coming and going all day. Paramedics were in the flat, and so were some of the forensics guys from the police.”

Scenes-of-crime specialists examined the property but found no injury to the 44-year-old, nor any evidence of a break-in.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained, however police told the Paisley Daily Express that it does not appear to be suspicious.

A post-mortem is to be held on Wednesday.

A police spokeswoman said: “The body of a 44-year-old woman was found at a property in Cluny Drive, Paisley, on Saturday.

“There were no suspicious circumstances, but officers are awaiting the results of a post mortem later this week.”

Police appeal for help to catch bus pervert

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:35:17 +0100

POLICE last night appealed for help to trace a pervert who indecently assaulted a teenage girl on a bus.

The 17-year-old victim was sitting next to the man, who is thought to be aged around 50, when he pounced.

They had been travelling on the number 64 bus from Paisley town centre towards Gallowhill just after 6pm on Monday when the incident happened.

The upset teenager got off the bus and noticed that the man had also disembarked.

She then went home and told her mum what had happened. At that stage, the police were alerted.

The pervert is described as between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 7ins tall, with a slim-to-medium build, and was wearing a green baseball cap, dark-coloured jacket and dark top with light blue jeans and dark shoes.

He was carrying several plastic carrier bags and walked off in the direction of Marjory Drive, in Gallowhill.

Detective Constable Stephen Gourlay, of Paisley CID, said: “Both the man and the girl got on the bus at Smithhills Street and there were at least 10 other passengers on board.

“They were sitting on the driver’s side of the bus, close to the front.

“We have examined CCTV footage from the bus but, unfortunately, it’s not very clear.

“The girl was very shocked and shaken when she got off the bus but she managed to give a description of the man.

“We hope someone might remember being on the bus and seeing the man or might recognise the description.”

Anyone who can help should call DC Gourlay on 0141 532 5900.

Work starts to refurbish Gallowhill Court in Paisley

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:34:53 +0100

Work is starting today (Wednesday July 11) on the refurbishment of Gallowhill Court, a high-rise tower block in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Almost 6,000 square metres of Hanson Structherm’s structural external wall insulation (SEWI) is being used in the 32-week project, by Full Façade Solutions for Renfrewshire Council.

Brian Monaghan, Hanson Structherm national sales manager, said: “Our SEWI system provides a cost-effective external refurbishment solution to greatly improve the thermal performance of buildings while also providing structural stability.

“Once complete Gallowhill Court will achieve a U-Value of 0.22W/m2k, helping the council to cut tenants’ fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.”

The refurbishment of the tower block is part of a £138 million Delivering Housing Improvements project to ensure all Renfrewshire Council houses meet the Scottish housing quality standard.

Kids’ anti-bullying campaign is the business

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:34:25 +0100

A GROUP of caring schoolkids are fighting back against cyber bullies – and their plan is so successful it looks likely to hit other schools.

The youngsters at Gallowhill Primary have been praised after setting up a business aimed at making sure their pals do not get caught up in a web of hate online.

The pupils picked up a Social Enterprise in Schools Award for the anti-cyber bullying business, Support Me.

The enterprising P7 pupils deliver workshops to younger pupils in their school warning youngsters how to keep themselves safe while using the internet.

And after winning funding from a Dragon’s Den-style competition, they now plan to take the workshops out to other schools and set up a new website offering advice and support to children across Scotland.

As well as picking up an award, enterprising pupils schools across the country won the praise of leading Scots entrepreneurs including online Dragon’s Den star Shaf Rasul.

Mr Rasul said: “The social enterprise in schools programme is opening the minds of children and young people and fostering a culture of entrepreneurialism.

“It is a great example of how business leaders can get involved in the school curriculum to provide positive support to young people – and pass on valuable business and life experience.

“The pupils have shown an incredible level of ingenuity. Their enthusiasm and spark is truly inspiring.”

Paisley kids from St Andrew’s Academy and St Catherine’s Primary also picked up awards after setting up pupil-led businesses.

As part of the Social Enterprise in Schools programme, pupils get hands-on experience of running a social enterprise – with practical advice and mentoring from successful entrepreneurs.

The three Renfrewshire schools were hailed at a special ceremony at The Hub in Edinburgh to celebrate the best of entrepreneurial talent in primary, secondary and special schools in Scotland.

Children from over 300 schools manage social enterprise businesses, some with turnovers of up to £150,000.

The annual awards is the recognition of hard work of pupils taking part in the programme, delivered by the Scottish Social Enterprise Academy in partnership with the Scottish Government.

Sandra Ewan MBE, Manager for the Social Enterprise in Schools Programme at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “By setting up a social enterprise these young people develop the practical and creative skills that are needed in the world of work and to run a business. Skills like communication and team work.

“And ultimately they learn that they can make their own ideas happen. The programme allows pupils of all abilities to shine – from the high achievers to those who find it harder to engage with academic teaching.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney also hailed the youngsters.

He said: “The creation of a business friendly and entrepreneurial Scotland starts in our schools. I am consistently impressed by the creative and innovative ideas that come from our young people.

“Taking part in the social enterprise in schools programme helps them develop the skills and confidence they need to take their ideas and turn them into real trading social enterprise businesses – enhancing their work readiness which will help build a smarter, wealthier and fairer Scotland.”

Paisley mum at wits’ end over “danger” fence

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:34:00 +0100

A WORRIED mum fears that a broken fence outside her home could become a death trap for her disabled kids.

Tracey Clements has been complaining to Renfrewshire Council for more than a year about the state of the garden at the back of her council flat in Gallowhill’s Dundonald Road.

And now she has told the Paisley Daily Express that the fence – which has broken wood and nails protruding from it – could cause an injury to her three children.

“I stay in a four-in-a-block flat with a back garden,” she explained. “The fences on either side are in a very bad state.

“The nails stick out and pieces of wood lie everywhere. We were promised that it would be fixed when we moved more than two years ago, but we’re still waiting.

“Since then I’ve complained to the council countless times, and my local councillor even tried to help me out.

“But no-one seems to be willing to do anything about it.

“Two of my children have autism and could be injured.”

The 36-year-old full-time carer lives with disabled husband Glyn and her three kids, Owen, Megan and two-year-old Sophie.

Like Tracey, seven-year-old Owen suffers from a rare genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis, involving tumours growing on nerve endings. He is also autistic.

His sister Megan, 5, has also been diagnosed with autism as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Tracey continued: “I spoke to the social work department about the state of the garden.

“All I need is somewhere safe for Owen and Megan to play without the fear of them being injured.

“The problem is that they both have autism and because of that, they have no awareness of the dangers around them.

“I am scared to let them into the garden. They end up staying awake until 5am because they are still so energetic.

“I contacted the council about getting the fence fixed, but still have had no luck.

“I also asked about the possibility of having a separate wee area fenced off for them in the garden, but that seems to be unlikely to happen.

“I think that the state of this garden is really hampering my kids’ progress.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “This was first reported for repair in April 2011 but at that time the fence was not considered to be dangerous.

“The repair was added to our annual plan of maintenance works but unfortunately was not carried out.

“We apologise to Mrs Clements for this. A member of staff has been in touch with her to explain the situation.

“We will have the hedges removed as soon as possible so that a new fence can be put up.”