An Albanian man convicted of chasing a Scottish police officer through suburban streets with a running chainsaw has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, exposing the horrifying dangers law enforcement faces daily from criminals who weaponize everyday tools against those sworn to protect communities. This unprecedented case, which a judge called “stuff of horror films,” involved Liridon Kastrati ramming a police car and then pursuing PC Gary Cowan with the revving power tool in May 2024. The incident underscores the unpredictable and life-threatening situations officers confront during routine duties.
Story Highlights
- Liridon Kastrati, 32, chased Police Constable Gary Cowan with a revving chainsaw after ramming police vehicle in May 2024.
- Officer testified he believed Kastrati would “chop my head off” during terrifying pursuit captured on viral video.
- Judge called unprecedented chainsaw attack “stuff of horror films” and warned of potential carnage during sentencing.
- Kastrati received 10-year sentence in January 2026 after conviction for attempted murder of officer.
Horror Movie Chase Becomes Grim Reality
Liridon Kastrati deliberately rammed his Volkswagen into a marked police car on Glasgow Road in Paisley’s Ralston area around 1:30 PM on May 6, 2024, deploying airbags and injuring two officers. After fleeing on foot with Police Constable Gary Cowan in pursuit, Kastrati returned to his vehicle and retrieved a chainsaw from the boot. He then started the power tool and chased the 35-year-old officer through the streets while shouting profanities at police and revving the chainsaw’s engine, creating a scene witnesses compared to a slasher film.
The police officer told the court he initially approached Kastrati with the intention of arresting him, but then found himself running for his lifehttps://t.co/MZUUb5h75e pic.twitter.com/aaBPmDfF8S
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 20, 2026
Officer’s Harrowing Testimony Reveals Life-Threatening Terror
PC Cowan testified during trial that he genuinely feared Kastrati intended to kill him with the deadly weapon. The officer stated he believed “if I don’t create distance, he is going to kill me” as the chainsaw-wielding attacker closed in. CCTV cameras and mobile phone footage captured the surreal and terrifying chase, with video later going viral and disturbing viewers worldwide. Colleagues and a member of the public intervened to help contain Kastrati, leading to his arrest without further injuries. This incident underscores the unpredictable and life-threatening situations officers confront during routine duties.
Defense Claims Panic Over Immigration Status
Defense lawyer John Scullion KC argued the attack stemmed from irrational panic related to Kastrati’s immigration status rather than premeditated violence. The defense claimed Kastrati, who had no prior criminal record and was carrying the chainsaw for a gardening job, acted spontaneously out of fear. Scullion also challenged the police investigation’s integrity, suggesting procedural flaws. However, the prosecution presented evidence of a calculated attack, with Kastrati deliberately retrieving and starting the chainsaw before pursuing the officer. The jury sided with prosecutors after just three hours of deliberation, convicting Kastrati on November 25, 2025.
Unprecedented Sentencing Reflects Severity of Attack
Judge William Gallacher sentenced Kastrati to 10 years imprisonment at Glasgow’s High Court on January 13, 2026, with the sentence backdated to May 2024. The judge stated he had never encountered a chainsaw used as a weapon in his judicial career, calling it “stuff of horror films” and warning the attack could have resulted in catastrophic carnage. Kastrati responded to the sentence by shouting “You’re a f***ing terrorist” at the judge, demonstrating continued disrespect for authority. Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser of Police Scotland emphasized that no officer should face such deplorable criminality while serving their communities.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement Safety
This case highlights the escalating dangers facing police officers who confront increasingly unpredictable threats during routine encounters. The incident raises questions about vehicle search protocols and officer safety measures when dealing with suspects carrying tools that can become deadly weapons. While Kastrati was acquitted on lesser charges including breach of peace, car theft, and motoring offenses, the attempted murder conviction sets a critical precedent for sentencing involving unconventional weapons. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who protect our communities deserve adequate resources, training, and legal backing to face the daily hazards of frontline policing in an era of growing disrespect for law enforcement.
Watch the report: Man jailed after trying to kill police officer with chainsaw
Sources:
- Chainsaw attacker convicted after disturbing police chase
- Judge jails man ten years for ‘horror film’ chainsaw chase
- Insane video shows maniac chasing cop with chainsaw
