Liridon Kastrati, 32, rammed a stolen Volkswagen into a marked police car before exiting the vehicle, grabbing a running chainsaw and chasing PC Gary Cowan while shouting ‘f*** the police’
A man who chased a police officer with a chainsaw and attempted to kill him has been jailed for 10 years.
Liridon Kastrati rammed a stolen Volkswagen into a marked police car before grabbing a running chainsaw and chasing PC Gary Cowan while shouting “f*** the police” in Paisley, Scotland, on May 6 2024. The 32-year-old, from Albania, was earlier told to expect a “significant penalty” for the crime.
Kastrati launched a foul-mouthed outburst immediately after being sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow – banging on the dock, shouting at the judge and calling him a “f****** terrorist”.
During the trial, PC Cowan told the court that he was in a police car with a colleague when Kastrati slammed into the side of the vehicle, activating the airbag.
The officer said: “He was chasing after me with the chainsaw, holding the chainsaw up, running after me.” He added: “I thought if I don’t create distance, he is going to kill me.” PC Cowan admitted he was “terrified,” believing Kastrati would “saw my arms off, chop my head off”. The constable said Kastrati was shouting “f*** the police” as he chased him.
John Scullion KC, defending, previously said his client was due to see a social worker but there had been a “misunderstanding” and the meeting did not take place, meaning no report was produced. He said his client accepts responsibility and the situation is not “satisfactory”.
Judge Gallacher previously said he was “perplexed and frustrated” about the lack of the report. He said: “It’s in the interests of everybody for the matter to be brought to a conclusion.”
The judge told Kastrati: “I’m willing to give you one further opportunity. If, when the case calls on the next occasion, you have not co-operated then the court will proceed to sentence.”
Charges of breach of the peace, stealing a car and motoring offences were dropped by the prosecution.
