Scottish doctor found with machine guns, 1,500 live cartidges and ‘assassination list’ sentenced to 12 years in prison

Culprit compiles list of names and addresses of some colleagues after losing his job

Martin Watt said his actions were only an attempt to make himself feel better (Police Scotland/PA)

A former doctor has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for building a stock of guns with the intent to endanger life.

Martin Watt was found with three sub machine guns, two pistols and 1,500 live cartridges at a property in Cumbernauld last year.

The 62-year-old had lost his job at North Lanarkshire’s Monklands Hospital in 2012 after disciplinary hearings and his marriage broke down around the same time, the High Court at Glasgow heard.

He had compiled a list of names and addresses of some colleagues involved in the disciplinary process, which judge Lady Stacey said Watt referred to as an “assassination list”.

The former hospital consultant also carried out shooting practice.

Watt maintained it was only a way to make himself feel better, but the judge said the jury rejected that when finding him guilty last month.

Defence QC John Scott urged the judge to take Watt’s age and near 30 year public service with the NHS into account.

The lawyer said he could not minimise the seriousness of the charges but that “Dr Watt is an unusual person to find himself in the dock at the High Court”.

Passing sentence, Lady Stacey said: “I entirely accept you have served the community in the past.

“It is sad to see a man who has held the positions you have in this situation.”

She added: “Nothing has been said that explains why you acquired a stock of weapons and ammunition.

“You are a well-educated and intelligent man and must appreciate the law in this country around firearms is strict. These are lethal weapons.

“The jury found you had them with intent to endanger life. I take the view you represent a danger to members of the public.”

Watt was given an extended sentence with 12 years in prison and a further three years of supervision.

PA