Dale Russell was forced into a spit hood after trying to head butt an officer and hurling insults after Lady Drummond.
15:10, 25 Jul 2025Updated 15:10, 25 Jul 2025
Dale Russell was not in court for sentencing. (Image: Police Scotland)
Gang member Dale Russell was not in the dock for the trial following chaotic scenes before evidence even started. at the murder trial for a dad shot on his doorstep.
Russell, 31, was one of seven men on trial at the High Court in Glasgow for the murder of Neil Canney on February 28 2023 at Nairn Road in Greenock.
Neil was instead shot amid a hail of bullets as relatives inside cowered for safety. The gang responsible for the assassination were caught following a massive police probe.
At the trial for the murder, Russell refused to join the others for the first day of the case prior to jurors being sworn in.
Neil Canney died in hospital(Image: Police Scotland)
Loud shouting was heard coming from the cell area where Russell was being held.
Judge Lady Drummond initially adjourned in the hope the matter could be resolved.
But, a crazed Russell eventually had to be physically hauled into the dock by a number of police officers wearing protective riot gear.
He ranted, repeatedly swore and hurled insults including at Lady Drummond.
Russell also tried to headbutt an officer – who was wearing a helmet.
He had to have a spit hood put over his head as he continued to struggle.
In a rare move, the trial eventually went ahead in his absence.
He had initially watched the second day of evidence via CCTV from another room accompanied by police and security staff.
Russell was not in court for the verdict today but was convicted of the murder along with Jack Benson, 24, Martin McCusker, 41, Brendan Balloch, 25, Kieran Hendry, 26, and Michael Munro, 27.
Forensic officers scoured Nairn Road.
Another man Kieran Meechan, 29, had pleaded guilty to the same charge prior to the case starting.
Lady Drummond continued remand for all seven as the case was adjourned for reports.
They are due to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 12 September.