Violent Sex Offender Josh Neil Jailed for Nine Years After Orchestrating Fire Attacks

A violent sex offender has been jailed for nine years after orchestrating a series of fire attacks on the homes of potential witnesses in his upcoming court case.

Josh Neil, 25, hired two men from Aberdeen to terrorize a family while behind bars, demanding that they set fire to the doors of addresses in Penicuik, Midlothian. He promised payment if they provided video footage as proof.

Four separate attacks were carried out in the town, with two endangering the lives of young children present in the homes. Stephen Barry and Ty Hyland, both from Aberdeen, were part of a gang that struck after the mother made physical and sexual accusations against a man.

Neil admitted acting with others while he was in Peterhead's HMP Grampian and Barlinnie Prison, in Glasgow, to wilfully set fire to two homes in Penicuik in November 2022 and May 2023. He further pled guilty to disorderly conduct in November 2022 while acting with others when an accelerant was poured over the door of a house.

Neil is currently serving a sentence for a conviction of serious abuse against a woman, with his earliest possible release date being December 2027. However, on Friday he was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh to another nine years for offences related to the fire attacks. His nine-year jail term will be served following his present stint behind bars.

Detective Sergeant Narelle Allan said: "Josh Neil will now face the consequences of his despicable actions. I hope his conviction and sentencing will bring justice to all involved, who have shown great strength in reporting what happened to them."