STV NewsA man has admitted torching the cars of prison staff during a Christmas Day fire attack.
Graeme Seivwright, 43, was involved in the blaze at HMP Grampian in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, early on December 25, 2023.
Prosecutor David Logan told the High Court in Glasgow: “Prison officers noticed a red glow coming from the car park and smelled smoke.
“Upon checking cameras, it was noted a car was on fire and two dark figures could be seen in the vicinity.”
A total of eight vehicles had been parked in the area of the blaze with three of the motors alight.
The blaze was deemed to be deliberate.
Police went on to find a discarded bottle nearby which contained petrol.
They also picked up a bottle cap which had Seivwright’s DNA on it.
During the probe into the fire, a blue Mini was linked to the crime after it had been captured on CCTV heading towards the prison immediately before the blaze and then travelling south on the A90 shortly after.
The car was also said to have “activated various speed cameras” on the journey.
Three of the vehicles affected by the fire – a Hyundai i40, a BMW 220D Sport and a Seat Arona – had to be written off.
A further three were said to be damaged.
Seivwright pled guilty to a charge of wilful fire-raising on Wednesday.
No further background to the crime was revealed at the hearing.
Lord Mulholland told him: “You have pled guilty to a serious matter – setting fire to prison officers’ cars.
“This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened in the recent past.
“Prison officers are there to execute the orders of the courts – they and their property needs protected.”
Seivwright had his remand in custody continued as sentencing was deferred until the New Year.
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