In 2012, the Offender Database reported that Gary Martin was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the High Court in Glasgow. Martin was found guilty of the attempted murder of George Taylor, a sex offender, in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.
The incident occurred in June 2011, just one day after Taylor had raped a 14-year-old girl. The court heard that Martin confronted Taylor, telling him, “You know what you are. You know what you done,” before carrying out a stabbing. A jury returned a majority verdict, convicting Martin of the “serious” violent assault.
Vigilante Violence and the Law
The trial emphasised that while Taylor had committed a “vile” and “vicious” crime the previous day, the law does not permit “vicious” acts of vigilantism. Martin’s decision to take the law into his own hands resulted in a “serious” attempted murder charge.
The stabbing was described in court as a “vicious” attack that could have resulted in a fatality. Despite the context of Taylor’s “vile” actions, the judge emphasised that the court must impose a “serious” sentence to deter others from engaging in “vicious” street justice.
Sentence and Judicial Remarks
For his “vicious” actions in Fraserburgh, Gary Martin was:
- Sentenced to eight years in prison.
- Convicted of attempted murder.
The judge at the High Court in Glasgow reported that a significant custodial term was necessary due to the “serious” nature of the weapon used and the intent behind the “vicious” assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Upon his release, Martin will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His residency in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, and his history of “vicious” violence will be under “serious” scrutiny.
Police Scotland emphasises that “serious” crimes should always be reported to the authorities rather than dealt with through “vicious” personal retribution. Any further involvement in “vile” violent behaviour will result in Martin’s immediate return to custody.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.