Scottish crime lord's bitter feud with trusted lieutenant while on remand in Edinburgh

Scottish crime boss Jamie Stevenson has had a bitter fall-out with trusted lieutenant and step-son Gerard Carbin, it has emerged.

The animosity is such the former close criminal allies had to be kept apart during the sentencing hearings. An insider revealed there were rumours of a hit being ordered against Carbin.

The gang - minus Carbin - had initially been brought from the cells to the dock on Tuesday.

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Plans were for Carbin - who had sat beside the rest during the last hearing - to instead be seated away from Stevenson for the sentencing. But, he did not show and the court was temporarily adjourned.

The matter was eventually resolved with it being agreed Stevenson would be sentenced alone. An edgy and ashed-faced Carbin finally took his place in the dock.

The source said: "The fall out seems to have happened following the guilty pleas last month. Stevenson was on remand in HMP Edinburgh and Carbin in Barlinnie, but word quickly spread he was not happy with his step-son.

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"There were serious concerns that this could spill over in court. Police were on red-alert. Carbin then seemingly refused to come into the dock not wanting to be near Stevenson.

"It was only when it was agreed with the judge that Stevenson would be dealt with separately, Carbin appeared from the cells."

Drug kingpin Stevenson was sentenced to 20 years behind bars on Tuesday for conspiring to import £100million of cocaine to Scotland from Ecuador in a consignment of bananas.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime, said: “The sentencing of Stevenson, Bilsland, Bowes, Carbin, McPhee and Cross following their guilty pleas sends out a clear message that the activities of those who think that they can bring illegal drugs into our communities will not be tolerated.

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“I want to acknowledge the hard work and diligence shown by the officers who investigated the group and provided the evidence in what was a complex investigation and shows the value of working with our law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency and those abroad.

"It also shows Police Scotland’s unwavering commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.

“This multi-agency operation, which spanned several countries, prevented a huge haul of illegal drugs reaching our communities and will have undoubtedly saved lives. However, we cannot be complacent, and our officers will continue their work to ensure Scotland remains a hostile environment for organised criminals.”