West Fife councillor caught up in attempted attack on MSP’s office

Kirkcaldy: A councillor was at the MSP’s office when a man tried to set it on fire. Cllr David Barratt was meeting with MSP David Torrance when Peter Batten showed up. Batten had a bucket of flammable material and was banned from the office.

The two SNP members stepped out briefly. That’s when Batten arrived with his burning bucket. Cllr Barratt said Batten walked past the office, which he was supposed to avoid. He noticed people inside and went to prepare his attack.

Batten lit the bucket and tried to enter the office. Luckily, Barratt and Torrance had just stepped out. Barratt thought Batten was carrying a barbecue at first. He even asked if Batten needed help, but Batten just grunted and moved on.

Soon after, Batten returned and became aggressive. Cllr Barratt pressed a panic button, and police arrived quickly. He noted it could have been serious if they had been inside. If Batten had set the door on fire, it could have been dangerous.

Batten is currently in prison. He admitted to acting aggressively at the MSP’s office and making threats. He also shouted at police officers at the railway station and struggled with them on multiple occasions.

His defense lawyer explained that Batten felt he was no longer on the sex offenders register after serving his sentence. He took his complaint to the MSP’s office but went about it the wrong way. The incident was alarming for everyone involved.

The sheriff sentenced Batten to 22 months in prison and banned him from the MSP’s office for five years. The seriousness of the situation hit Torrance only after the police took statements. He emphasized that no one should face such intimidation.

Since the incident, the office has improved its security. Torrance mentioned that they now have incredible safety measures in place. He had to change his open-door policy, which affects genuine constituents seeking help.