Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Glasgow City Council has been ordered pay £80,000 after a man was hit by a falling lamppost.
Colin Shaw was left with life-changing injuries after the incident in June 2023.
The council admitted liability at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.
In a statement released through law firm Digby Brown, Mr Shaw said: “This accident has had a huge impact on my life and I am pleased it has now come to a conclusion.
“I now request privacy as I continue my recovery and rehabilitation.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council apologised for the harm caused to Mr Shaw, and said the authority will invest £7.5 million in the coming years to replace outdated and damaged lampposts in the city.

open image in gallery
Glasgow City Council were said to have “left the public facing unacceptable risk” (Alamy/PA)
The spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for this incident and the harm this has caused to Mr Shaw. We accept the lighting column referred to in this case was not properly inspected.
“Following this incident, our approach to the maintenance of the city street lighting network has been updated and improved.
“We now undertake a more thorough risk assessment of lighting columns, a new mapping system has been developed to help us manage the system more effectively, and we have also introduced a dedicated inspection team.
“The council has also allocated an additional £7.5 million to allow the replacement of lighting columns across the city over the next three years.”
Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “This incident could easily have proved fatal and has irrevocably changed a man’s life.
“It could have been avoided if the maintenance system in place at the time had been more robust in ensuring a full visual inspection of lighting assessed to be in poor condition.
“By failing to do so, Glasgow City Council left the public facing unacceptable risk. This prosecution should remind duty holders that such failings can have serious consequences and they will be held accountable.”