Alleged Would-Be Assassin of Prosecutor Held Indefinitely in Secure Mental Facility

Key Takeaways:

• Martin Ready, also known as "evil Jesus," has been ordered to remain at a secure mental health facility indefinitely for plotting to kill a prosecutor.
• Ready’s plot was inspired by a conspiracy theory about alleged corruption at a pub in Scotland and involved setting up cryptocurrency accounts and using the dark web to find a hitman.
• He was diagnosed with delusional disorder and has been receiving treatment at the Rowanbank Clinic in Glasgow.
• Despite treatment, Ready’s doctor raised concerns that he may stop taking his medication and disengage from mental health services, posing a risk to himself and the public.
• The court imposed compulsion and restriction orders to ensure Ready receives continued treatment and banned him from contacting his victim.

Introduction to the Case
The case of Martin Ready, who identified himself as "evil Jesus," has been a complex and intriguing one. Ready was found guilty of attempting to conspire to murder prosecutor Darren Harty in a plot that was apparently inspired by a conspiracy theory about alleged corruption at a pub in Scotland. The planning for the murder occurred between May 2021 and September 2022, during which time Ready set up cryptocurrency accounts, used a site on the dark web to find a hitman, and paid £5,071.24 in Bitcoin. Ready’s scheme was eventually exposed, and he was subsequently diagnosed with delusional disorder and has been receiving treatment at the Rowanbank Clinic in Glasgow.

The Plot and Motivation
Ready’s motivation for plotting the murder was to expose alleged "money washing" at the pub, which he believed was linked to organized crime. He claimed that he chose Mr. Harty as a victim because of his connection to the pub, rather than due to personal issues. However, Mr. Harty denied any wrongdoing and stated that money laundering was "absolutely not" happening at the pub. The website that Ready used to find a hitman was later found to be a front for a scam. Ready’s actions were seen as a serious threat, and his plot was described as a "very serious offence" by the judge.

Mental Health Treatment
Ready’s mental health has been a significant factor in the case. He was diagnosed with delusional disorder and has been receiving treatment at the Rowanbank Clinic. Despite his treatment, Ready’s doctor raised concerns that he may stop taking his medication and disengage from mental health services, posing a risk to himself and the public. The court heard that Ready was an intelligent man who was capable of "masking" the symptoms of his mental disorder, but that he still harbored "very significant and dangerous beliefs." Ready’s doctor, Dr. Appan, testified that Ready "does not believe he is mentally ill" and "does not believe he needs medication," which raised concerns about his willingness to continue treatment.

Court Proceedings and Outcome
The court proceedings were complex, with Ready denying the charge and lodging a special defense of lacking criminal responsibility. However, he was found guilty, and the court imposed compulsion and restriction orders to ensure he receives continued treatment at the medium secure facility. The judge, Lady Hood, branded the crime as a "very serious offence" and stated that it involved a "considerable degree of planning" on Ready’s part. In addition to the compulsion and restriction orders, Ready was banned from contacting his victim. The outcome of the case highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring that individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others receive the necessary treatment and support.

Conclusion
The case of Martin Ready is a complex and thought-provoking one that highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for continued treatment and support for individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. Ready’s plot to kill a prosecutor was inspired by a conspiracy theory and involved a significant amount of planning and resources. His diagnosis with delusional disorder and his refusal to accept his mental illness have raised concerns about his willingness to continue treatment. The court’s decision to impose compulsion and restriction orders ensures that Ready will receive the necessary treatment and support to manage his condition and reduce the risk of harm to himself and others.