Martin Ready, a 43-year-old man, has been indefinitely detained in a hospital following his conviction for attempting to arrange a murder. The chilling case unfolded as a dark exploration into the depths of delusion and the frightening reach of the internet’s hidden corners.
The court heard how Ready meticulously plotted to harm Darren Harty, a man he knew from years past. His method was particularly disturbing: he ventured into the dark web, a clandestine realm where illicit services are traded, and attempted to hire a hitman.
Cryptocurrency became the currency of his sinister plan, used to pay for a crime that thankfully never came to fruition. Investigators painstakingly traced the digital transactions, unraveling a web of intent that led directly back to Ready.
Dr. Sivakumar Appan, a forensic psychiatrist treating Ready at the Rowanbank Clinic in Glasgow, testified to the necessity of indefinite detention. He emphasized the critical need to protect the public from the potential for “serious harm,” a risk stemming directly from Ready’s mental state.
Dr. Appan revealed a troubling aspect of Ready’s condition: a complete lack of self-awareness regarding his illness. He expressed concern that without the structure of a restriction order, Ready would likely refuse medication crucial to managing his delusional beliefs.
The prosecution detailed Ready’s delusional disorder, a condition that fueled his obsession with Mr. Harty and a broader fixation on perceived crime within the Lanarkshire area. This wasn’t a crime of passion, but a calculated act born from a distorted reality.
During the trial, Ready maintained his innocence, pleading a lack of criminal responsibility. However, the evidence presented painted a starkly different picture, revealing a deliberate and carefully constructed plan.
Judge Lady Hood, after careful consideration of psychiatric reports, imposed both a compulsion order – authorizing medical treatment at Rowanbank Clinic – and a restriction order, ensuring Ready’s indefinite detention. A non-harassment order was also issued, forbidding any contact with Darren Harty.
In her sentencing, Lady Hood acknowledged the gravity of Ready’s actions, emphasizing the “considerable degree of planning” involved. Her decision underscored the paramount importance of public safety, recognizing the ongoing risk posed by Ready’s condition.
The case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking within the digital underworld and the complex intersection of mental health and criminal behavior. It highlights the critical role of psychiatric evaluation and the necessity of protective measures when individuals pose a demonstrable threat to others.
