A Scottish sheriff court sentenced 22‑year‑old Ilia Belov to conviction for assaulting a 12‑year‑old girl in Dundee’s Lochee district after she brandished a knife and axe in self‑defence. The verdict overturns the police’s initial belief in Belov’s claim that the child had threatened him as a migrant.

Sheriff Tim Niven‑Smith Dismisses Belov’s Self‑Defence Claim

The court heard that Belov alleged the girl called him a “f***ing migrant” and threatened him with weapons, a story the sheriff described as “wholly unconvincing… revisionist and self‑serving.” According to the report, Sheriff Tim Niven‑Smith found Belov’s testimony unreliable and convicted him of assault and threatening behaviour toward four girls aged 12 to 14.

Video Evidence Filmed by Belov Leads to Girl’s Arrest

Belov recorded the 12‑year‑old brandishing a knife and axe, then posted the footage online, prompting her arrest. The video was later shared on X by Elon Musk, who questioned the authorities’ treatment of the child. As the source notes, the viral clip became a focal point of public debate, while the girl’s mother insisted her daughter had told the truth from the start.

Belov’s Sister Nadjedzha Belova Also Charged After Attacking Victims

Police identified Belov’s 20‑year‑old sister, Nadjedzha Belova, as the person who assaulted the 13‑year‑old sister of the primary victim, pulling hair and striking her head . The court records show she had already admitted to the assault before the hearing, adding another layer of violence to the case.

First Minister John Swinney Rejects Musk’s Critique as Misinformation

First Minister John Swinney condemned Musk’s comments on the case, calling them “deliberate misinformation” that undermined community cohesion. According to the source, the SNP leader argued that the viral post distorted the facts and diverted attention from the assault itself.

Unanswered Issues: Police Scotland’s Initial Response and Public Perception

Two key questions remain : why did Police Scotland initially side with Belov’s narrative, and how will the viral spread of the video affect future handling of juvenile self‑defence cases? The source indicates that the police statement blamed a “Bulgarian couple” for being approached by youths , a claim later disproved in court.