Officer's Terrifying Ordeal with Chainsaw-Wielding Attacker
A 32-year-old Albanian man has been found guilty of attempting to murder a police officer by chasing him with a chainsaw in a shocking incident that left the constable fearing for his life. Liridon Kastrati was convicted at the High Court in Paisley on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, following a trial that heard harrowing details of the attack on PC Gary Cowan.
The Day of the Attack
The court heard how the terrifying events unfolded on 6 May 2024 in Paisley, Renfrewshire. PC Cowan, aged 35, described being "terrified" when Kastrati began pursuing him with the powered saw. The confrontation began after prosecutors claimed Kastrati had rammed a car into a marked police vehicle, causing the airbags to deploy.
PC Cowan testified that after the collision, Kastrati initially ran away but then returned to his vehicle to retrieve the chainsaw. "He was chasing after me with the chainsaw, holding the chainsaw up, running after me," the officer told the court. "I thought if I don't create distance, he is going to kill me."
The officer genuinely believed Kastrati would "saw my arms off, chop my head off" during the pursuit, which involved Kastrati shouting obscenities at police.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
While Kastrati had originally been accused of attempting to murder four officers, he was ultimately convicted of an amended charge of attempted murder relating solely to PC Cowan. Several other charges, including breach of the peace, stealing a car and motoring offences, were withdrawn by prosecutors during the trial.
Defence lawyer John Scullion KC acknowledged his client's actions, telling the jury: "Mr Kastrati accepts he removes a chainsaw from the car, he swore, he injured PC Cowan, he brandished the chainsaw at other officers during this frightening and distressing incident." However, the defence claimed the police investigation was "flawed" and "lacked neutrality and objectivity".
Judge Gallacher has remanded Kastrati in custody since the incident 18 months ago and told him to expect a "significant penalty" when sentencing occurs on 19 December. The judge described the conviction as relating to "a very serious charge" and "a very dangerous incident".
Police Response to the Verdict
Following the conviction, Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser expressed her "deepest thanks and gratitude to those involved for their bravery and professionalism when faced with such danger and hatred from Kastrati who clearly intended to harm."
She emphasised that "every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed" and stated unequivocally that "no-one should face this deplorable level of criminality and it will not be tolerated."
The case highlighted procedural concerns after the court heard Kastrati was questioned on the day of the incident without either a solicitor or an Albanian interpreter present.
