Russell Findlay - @RussellFindlay1

HE jets around the world to be feted by wealthy tyrants involved in organised killings and corruption.  He rose from the shadow of Barlinnie prison in Glasgow’s east end to mix with the elite of Scotland’s chattering classes.  Far from the tenements of post-war and gang-infested Riddrie, his fortune is funnelled into a complex network of property and shares.  With a razor-sharp mind, he treats critics with a barely concealed contempt.  Now in his 70s, and with two sons following in his footsteps, the white-haired father-of-six retains a tight grip on his empire.  Despite the CV, Brian Gill is not some Mr Big from the sewer of organised crime.  He’s Scotland’s top judge whose wealth, status and overseas connections are from life on the other side of the law.  But our two-bob crooks can but dream of the power wielded by Brian – or (according to society bible Debrett’s) the Lord Justice-General and Lord President of the Court of Session....

I greatly appreciate the professionalism of Detective Sergeant Craig Warren, his Police Scotland colleagues and the NHS staff who treated my injuries along with extraordinary support from friends, fellow journalists and family. Having apprehended William ‘Basil’ Burns and handed him over to the police on 23 December 2015, today’s verdict was long overdue and the only possible outcome. Burns is a coward who was paid a significant sum of money to come to my home disguised as a postman, throw sulphuric acid in my face and attempt to stab me on the orders of a major organised criminal who is in prison for another matter. This man should be held to account, but I have concerns about Police Scotland and the Crown Office choosing not to conduct any meaningful investigation into his role. In due course, I intend to provide a full account of these concerns and others relating to the criminal justice system - not least the Crown’s decision to prosecute the acid attack alongside the Ross Sherloc...