 | 'Watson initially denied responsibility for the fire but CCTV footage showed him crouching down at the base of a curtain just minutes before it burst into flames.' Hilary Duncanson in the Daily Record, 24 th May 2006 |  |
| 'Watson initially denied responsibility for the fire but CCTV footage showed him crouching down at the base of a curtain just minutes before it burst into flames.' Hilary Duncanson in the Daily Record, 24 th May 2006 | |
DISGRACED Labour peer Mike Watson was freed from prison yesterday after eight months.
Watson, 57, was jailed for starting a fire at an upmarket Edinburgh hotel in 2004.
The former Scottish culture minister and MSP for Glasgow Cathcart refused to comment as he was released from Saughton Prison in Edinburgh shortly after 9.30am.
Watson, who served half his 16-month sentence, was released through the front gates of the jail but refused to answer any questions.
It is understood Watson kept a diary of his life behind bars and may intend to follow in the footsteps of Jeffrey Archer by publishing his prison memoirs.
He started the blaze in the main reception of Edinburgh's Prestonfield House Hotel in the early hours of November 12, 2004.
He had been attending the Scottish Politician of the Year Awards.
Watson initially denied responsibility for the fire but CCTV footage showed him crouching down at the base of a curtain just minutes before it burst into flames.
After admitting the offence, he resigned from the Scottish parliament and from his post as director of Dundee United Football Club.
He was later expelled from the Labour Party, although it is not possible to resign from the House of Lords.
Watson's lawyer said he had experienced problems with alcohol and had been distressed over the loss of his unborn child following IVF treatment.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Kathrine Mackie told Watson: "I have to say that someone in public office ought to know how to conduct himself on all occasions."
An appeal against the length of his sentence was rejected earlier this year.
TIMELINE
November 12, 2004: At around 2.15am, Watson sets fire to a curtain in Prestonfield House Hotel's reception after an awards bash.
November 14,2004: Watson is arrested and charged. He is suspended from the Labour Party.
September 1, 2005: The peer's career is in tatters and he faces jail after admitting setting fire to the curtains. He says he'll quit as Glasgow Cathcart MSP and as a director of Dundee United FC.
September 22, 2005: Watson is jailed for 16 months for fire-raising.
February 15, 2006: He celebrates his second wedding anniversary behind bars with a visit from wife Clare.
March 24, 2006: Judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal throw out Watson's appeal against his sentence.
May 23, 2006: He is freed from Saughton after serving eight months.
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