 | 'Fire-raising is a most serious crime. The potential for serious injury to guests and staff within the hotel, and for very significant damage to the property, was considerable.' Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, 22 nd September 2005. |  |
| 'Fire-raising is a most serious crime. The potential for serious injury to guests and staff within the hotel, and for very significant damage to the property, was considerable.' Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, 22 nd September 2005. | |
Shamed Labour peer Mike Watson has been jailed for 16 months for starting a fire and endangering lives at an upmarket hotel.
Lord Watson was kicked out of the Labour Party moments after the sentence was handed down at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The 56-year-old had admitted setting a curtain ablaze after a heavy drinking session at the Scottish Politician of the Year awards ceremony last year.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Kathrine Mackie said jail was the only option because the former Glasgow Cathcart MSP posed a significant risk of re-offending.
She said: "I have to say that someone in public office ought to know how to conduct himself on all occasions."
Branding his behaviour "deliberate and dangerous", she continued: "Fire-raising is a most serious crime.
"The potential for serious injury to guests and staff within the hotel, and for very significant damage to the property, was considerable."
Watson's wife Clare, who joined him in court, was in tears as her husband was led away to begin his jail term.
Outside court, a spokesman said Watson wanted to pay tribute to Clare and those who had stood by him throughout the case.
His legal team will now look at the sheriff's judgment and consider what, if any, further action will be taken.
Return to home page