A man involved in a lockdown fire attack on a beauty salon in Hamilton has been jailed, four years on from the deliberate blaze. Lewis Connor, 27, from Barrhead in Renfrewshire, was found guilty after trial of taking part in the attack on May 11, 2020. Damage to Cece Beauty and neighbouring businesses Bothwell Dress Company and FTT Skin Care, on Bothwell Road, ran into thousands of pounds.
He was also convicted of helping to torch a house near Falkirk, causing substantial damage, two days earlier. The jury at also found Connor guilty of conspiracy to set fires by making reconnaissance trips to various properties in Lanarkshire around the same time. Connor's lawyer said the occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic which he described as "an unusual time for everyone".
His client hadn't offended before or after these incidents and now runs his own business. But Sheriff Colin Dunipace said the "targeted" attacks were "of the utmost seriousness". The evidence showed that Connor had acted "at the behest of another individual" using the Encrochat encrypted phone network.
This made his actions "more sinister". He had played a part in both planning and carrying out the crimes. Sheriff Dunipace told the accused: " has the potential to cause enormous damage and tragic consequences although, thankfully, these did not occur in this case.
The court must take an extremely serious view of it. "Given the gravity of the charges, only custody is appropriate, not only to punish you but to deter you.
