Gang thug guilty over murder bid on close ally of mob boss Mark Richardson

A gang thug is behind bars today after admitting his role in the attempted murder of a close ally of Scottish cocaine kingpin Mark Richardson.

The attack on David McMillan, outside the 54-year-old's home in Edinburgh, took place during the tit-for-tat war plaguing the country.

The murder bid saw McMillan hacked with machetes by balaclava-clad blade thugs ferried to the scene by Joshua Stewart in a Land Rover Discovery.

Stewart, of Bannockburn, near Stirling, admitted his guilt over his role in the carnage during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today, Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The 21-year-old, who had been on bail, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing and he will learn his fate next month.

McMillan suffered a fractured skull and a number of wounds to his arms during the attack, which took place at around 9.20pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

He was scared for his family's safety after the ambush but agreed to go to hospital and was escorted there by Police Scotland officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, of the Specialist Crime Division, spoke after the conviction.

He said: “This was a violent incident and the conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“We will continue to bring those involved in serious criminality to justice.

"Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy."

The incident was investigated as part of Operation Portaledge - the ongoing probe into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

The tit-for-tat war erupted following a fallout between Richardson and former Union Bears leader Ross McGill.

McGill, who is nicknamed Miami, blamed associates of Richardson and the Glasgow-based Daniel crime clan of ripping him off in a cocaine deal.

It's claimed that fake cash was used to pay for a consignment of drugs, resulting in a number of firebomb, knife and firearms incidents on people, homes and businesses.