Man jailed over mass gang attack

Police raided the homes of 17 suspected gang members last year

A man who became notorious for making a v-sign behind Scotland's former justice minister during a TV interview has been jailed for assault.

Jamie Smith, 20, is the 25th person to be prosecuted for a gang attack on passers-by in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

Smith from Auchinleck, was sentenced to six months in prison.

He was 16 when he was filmed making obscene gestures behind Labour's Cathy Jamieson as she launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

More than 20 youths from Drongan and Auchinleck have now been convicted over the violence in the neighbouring town of Cumnock.

The gang, armed with knives, hammers and chains, assaulted two innocent bystanders in November 2007. Of the 25 people convicted, 20 were imprisoned.

'A deterrent'

The sentences ranged from 80 days to 10 months. Those not given custodial sentences received community service orders of up to 100 hours.

The group were said to be seeking revenge for an earlier incident where two youths from Drongan were allegedly assaulted by a group from Cumnock.

Following the latest sentencing, the district procurator fiscal for Ayr, Mirian Watson, said: "These convictions send a message to youth gangs and should act as a deterrent and a warning that they will be prosecuted and face severe consequences."