Ciaran Dickson, a 22-year-old former footballer who played for both Celtic and Rangers, has reportedly been assaulted while serving a six-year sentence at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow. Dickson was convicted earlier this year for causing the death of 18-year-old Aidan Pilkington in a drunken hit-and-run incident in September 2021.
The alleged assault occurred on December 9, 2024, during a disturbance with fellow inmates. Dickson sustained injuries, including a broken jaw, and was transported to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment before being returned to custody. Sources within the prison suggest that Dickson’s behavior may have contributed to the altercation. One insider noted, “He’s been rubbing people up the wrong way in jail… it’s no surprise that he’s been left with a sore face.”
Police Scotland confirmed their awareness of the incident, stating, “We were made aware of a disturbance within HMP Barlinnie on Monday, December 9, 2024. A 22-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing.” The Scottish Prison Service declined to comment on individual cases.
Dickson’s criminal record includes a previous conviction for careless driving in December 2020 and a domestic abuse conviction in April 2023, for which he was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work. His current imprisonment stems from the fatal incident in September 2021, where, after consuming multiple alcoholic beverages, he struck Pilkington with his vehicle and fled the scene, abandoning the car near his home. Pilkington succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Dickson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The recent prison assault raises concerns about inmate safety and the challenges faced by high-profile prisoners within the correctional system.
