Aberdeen man jailed for orchestrating fire attacks from prison

Josh Neil hired thugs to carry out violent acts while incarcerated, endangering lives.

Background of the Case

In a shocking case that highlights the dangers of organized crime even from behind bars, Josh Neil, a 25-year-old inmate at HMP Grampian, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for orchestrating a series of violent fire attacks.

These attacks were aimed at terrorizing a family in Penicuik, Midlothian, while he was incarcerated. Neil’s actions not only endangered lives but also demonstrated a calculated effort to intimidate witnesses in a separate legal matter.

Details of the Orchestrated Attacks

Neil’s criminal activities involved hiring two thugs from Aberdeen, Stephen Barry and Ty Hyland, to carry out firebombing attacks on homes. The attacks were reportedly motivated by a desire to intimidate a key witness who had made serious allegations against him. Four separate incidents were executed on Neil’s orders, with two of these attacks posing significant risks to the lives of the occupants, including young children. The audacity of Neil’s plan was further underscored by his demand for video evidence of the attacks as proof of their execution.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge, Lord Young, emphasized the severity of Neil’s actions. Despite the intended intimidation, the judge noted that the efforts to scare the witness ultimately failed. Neil was already serving a six-year sentence for serious sexual offenses against a woman when he orchestrated these attacks. His actions while incarcerated led to additional charges, including attempting to pervert the course of justice by sending threatening letters to potential witnesses. The court heard that Neil had been assessed as posing a very high risk of reoffending, even while in custody.

Psychological Factors and Defense Arguments

Neil’s defense counsel, John Scullion KC, presented mitigating factors, including Neil’s diagnoses of ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome. While acknowledging the seriousness of the offenses, Scullion argued for a significant but fair punishment. However, the court ultimately decided that Neil’s actions warranted a substantial prison term, with the nine-year sentence to be served consecutively after his current sentence. Neil has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his previous convictions.

Implications of the Case

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for criminal behavior to continue even from within prison walls. The ability of inmates to orchestrate violent acts and intimidate others raises serious concerns about prison security and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. As authorities continue to address these issues, the case of Josh Neil underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring inmate communications and activities.