Two men from Yorkshire have faced charges in connection with the malicious damage of US President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf course, located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Ricky Southall, aged 33, from Wakefield, and Umza Bashir, aged 55, from Leeds, appeared in private at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday, where they were charged with malicious mischief. Neither individual entered a plea during this initial court appearance.
The court proceedings follow an incident that took place on March 8, when police were called to the Trump Turnberry course on Maidens Road at approximately 4:40 am. It was reported that red paint had been sprayed on the clubhouse of the expansive 800-acre resort, and damage had also been inflicted on the greens of the golf course.
As part of the ongoing investigation, both Southall and Bashir have been committed for further examination and subsequently released on bail, with an obligation to return for a subsequent court appearance.
This recent case follows a similar charge involving another individual, Kieran Robson, a 33-year-old from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. Robson appeared at the same court on March 31, facing charges of malicious mischief related to the same damage at the resort. He also made no plea and was released on bail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
According to a publication from the Scottish Government released in October 2023, the offence of malicious mischief is defined as the wilful and malicious destruction or damage of another person's property. The document specifies that such a charge should only be recorded in instances of widespread damage, significant financial loss, or cases that involve disruption to essential services. It further clarifies that there is no fixed financial threshold that distinguishes malicious mischief from vandalism; however, it notes that damages amounting to multiple thousands of pounds are typically necessary for the former classification.
Source: Noah Wire Services