Full Breakdown
Chainsaw Attack on Police Officer Results in 10-Year Sentence
1/21/2026, 3:51:08 AM
Attempted Murder Incident in Paisley
Liridon Kastrati, a 32-year-old Albanian national, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to murder a police officer in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on May 6, 2024. Kastrati was convicted of brandishing a chainsaw while pursuing four police officers, including PC Gary Cowan, who described the incident as "extremely traumatic." The court heard that Kastrati chased PC Cowan for a significant distance while revving the chainsaw, leading the officer to fear for his life.
Details of the Attack
The incident began when Kastrati crashed his Volkswagen into a police vehicle, prompting PC Cowan to approach him with the intention of making an arrest. Instead, Kastrati retrieved a chainsaw from his vehicle and pursued Cowan while shouting obscenities. Cowan recounted, "I thought if I don't create distance, he is going to kill me." The attack was captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage, illustrating Kastrati's intent to cause catastrophic harm.
Judicial Response and Sentencing
During sentencing, Judge William Gallacher described Kastrati's actions as "seriously alarming," noting that the use of a chainsaw as a weapon is unprecedented in his experience. The judge emphasized the potential for greater harm had PC Cowan not managed to escape. Kastrati reacted to his sentence by shouting expletives at the judge and referring to him and Scotland as "terrorists." His behavior in court further underscored the severity of the incident.
Official Statements
Police Scotland reported that PC Cowan has since returned to work following the incident. The police emphasized the courage displayed by Cowan and his colleagues during the encounter. Judge Gallacher remarked on the significant harm caused by Kastrati's actions and the potential for a far worse outcome had circumstances been different.
Criticism & Opposition
Kastrati's defense raised concerns about his arrest, noting that he was questioned without legal representation or an Albanian interpreter present. This aspect of the case has drawn attention to procedural issues within the justice system, although the court ultimately upheld the conviction based on the evidence presented.
Conclusion
The case of Liridon Kastrati serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers. The 10-year sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime and aims to deter similar acts of violence against police personnel. As Kastrati begins his prison term, the incident continues to resonate within the community, highlighting the ongoing challenges of public safety and law enforcement.
