Five men sentenced over 'large-scale Halloween riots' in Dundee in 2022

Five men have been sentenced after large-scale disorder involving fireworks broke out in Dundee on Halloween in 2022.

Violence broke out on the evening of October 31, 2022, when emergency services came under attack.

Police were targeted with fireworks while several roads were blocked by a series of deliberate blazes on a night of disorder in the city’s Kirkton district.

Vehicles and buildings were damaged, while fireworks and bricks were thrown at other responders. Videos circling on social media at the time showed flames raging and burnt-out debris by the roadside.

Former leader of Dundee City Council, cllr John Alexander, branded the scenes “absolutely disgusting” and “like something from a war-torn nation”.

Marley Williams, 25, was one of five sentenced. Police Scotland

Sentences were handed down at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Friday.

Marley Williams, 25, pleaded guilty to breach of the peace on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Brandon Williams, 25, and George Reid, 36, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, November 5. Brandon Williams was jailed for 20 months, while Reid received a 38-month prison sentence.

Two other men, Jack Reynolds, 23, and Stewart Burns, 41, were found guilty following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday, November 18. Reynolds was sentenced to a Restriction of Liberty Order, while Burns received a Community Payback Order.

Officers carried out an extensive investigation in the months following the incident, which led to the convictions.

Police also said that similar levels of disorder have not been seen in the Kirkton area in recent years, which they attributed to prevention work with partner agencies and engagement with young people and local communities around the dangers of fireworks misuse.

Chief Inspector Colin Echevarria said: “I hope these convictions and sentencings send a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and those who engage in such will face the consequences. Acting as part of a large group will not stop us identifying you and bringing you before the courts to face justice.

“I want to highlight the bravery of our officers who faced challenging conditions that night but maintained their presence to ensure public safety. The investigation carried out by our teams in the following weeks and months was exemplary and has led to these convictions. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication.

“Thankfully, we’ve not seen this level of disorder in the Kirkton area in recent years and I believe that’s down to the prevention work our officers and partner agencies have carried out. We’ve engaged with young people and broader communities to highlight the risks associated with reckless behaviour involving fireworks.

“Kirkton has moved on from these previous incidents and we’ll continue to support the community to make sure it’s a safe place for everyone to enjoy all year round, without fear of disorder.”