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Ex-Soldier Admits Petrol-Bomb Attack on Livingston Police Station

Sentencing is scheduled for 13 January 2026 following a court-ordered background report.

Overview

  • Jamie Taylor, 34, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to two counts under the 1883 Explosives Act and to culpably and recklessly endangering PC Kirsty Forsyth.
  • CCTV shown in court captured him throwing three petrol bombs on 30 May, striking police vans and igniting fires near the station entrance as officers fought the flames.
  • Police arrested Taylor shortly afterward on Columbia Avenue, noting a strong smell of fuel, and later seized a petrol can, a nozzle and a vodka bottle filled with petrol.
  • Prosecutors said he has eight prior convictions and that a Domestic Abuse Scotland disclosure to his partner preceded the attack.
  • Defense counsel cited serious mental health issues linked in part to Taylor’s army service, and Police Scotland reported no injuries and commended officers’ actions.