A man who attempted to set fire to the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh has been sentenced to 30 months in prison. Piotr Swiatek, 30, sprayed barbecue fluid on the building and ignited it with a lighter before being confronted by a police officer.
During the incident on 24 March, Swiatek brandished a knife after being challenged. The officer tackled him to the ground, and a second knife was found tucked into his waistband. The court heard that the actions caused a major security alert and forced the closure of part of Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Sentencing Swiatek at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Gordon Liddle described the behaviour as “dangerous and cavalier”. He noted that the authorities could not rule out a terrorist incident and that members of the public were alarmed. Swiatek was also placed under a 12-month supervision order.
In addition to the attempted fire raising and weapons charges, Swiatek admitted drink driving on an earlier date, being nearly three times over the legal limit. He was banned from driving for 38 months and fined £900.
