Inmate given 10-year sentence for revenge plot on prison officer
Robert Paterson, 45, planned the 'revenge' attack on an officer at HMP Edinburgh, believing he had put his life at risk by delaying a hospital visit after he swallowed seven bags of cocaine.
The plot was foiled when police eavesdropped on conversations Paterson had about the plan through surveillance equipment they had installed in his cell in early 2023.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, Lord Harrower sentenced Paterson to 10 and a half years in prison for his latest offending, with the sentence to begin immediately.
He is currently serving a life sentence for murder and is not due to become eligible for parole until 2027.
Lord Harrower told Paterson: 'It is clear your proper purpose was conspiring to commit a serious crime.'
The judge said that shortly before 2am on Nov 15 2022, the officer heard Paterson 'scream that he was having a heart attack' from inside his cell and 'demand' to be taken to hospital.
The officer had seen Paterson swallowing a SIM card he had removed from a mobile phone, and staff at the prison were surprised to see an ambulance arrive when none of them had ordered it.
Paterson's vital signs were deemed healthy so he was kept in prison under observation for a few hours before being taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh shortly before 8am.
Lord Harrower added the officer had been aware of an attempt by Paterson to escape when admitted to hospital in 2012.
At hospital Paterson was given a CT scan and underwent surgery to remove seven plastic bags of cocaine from his stomach.
An unnecessary delay
The judge said that later Paterson began to 'seek revenge' against the officer for what he believed was an unnecessary delay in sending him to hospital.
He set about obtaining a weapon and 'identified an individual who was prepared to carry out an assault' in return for 'drugs or money'. He also discussed procuring a vehicle and driver for the assault.
Thomas Ross KC, Paterson's advocate, earlier told the court his client had reacted after deeming 'the manner in which the medical emergency was handled increased the risk of a fatal outcome'.
On May 2 2025, Paterson pleaded guilty to directing others to carry out an assault and obtaining for that purpose a handgun, ammunition and a vehicle.
He also admitted directing and arranging the supply of drugs and to directing others to steal drugs, watches and money.
Teresa Medhurst, the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), said: 'As Lord Harrower rightly identified, the officer in this case acted entirely appropriately and it is completely unacceptable that he, or any other member of SPS staff, be targeted in this way.
'We will continue to work closely with partners across the justice sector to ensure that all necessary action is taken to protect those who play a vital role in keeping Scotland safe.'
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