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MP who went to church with Covid symptoms ordered to do 270 hours of community payback

by Kelly Valencia

Scottish politician Margaret Ferrier has been ordered to do 270 of community payback by a court in Glasgow. 

The independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West has previously admitted wrongdoing by "recklessly" exposing the public to risk of Covid-19 infection.

In September 2020, when strict coronavirus rules were in place, Ferrier travelled from Glasgow to London knowing she had coronavirus symptoms. 

The 62-year-old attended Mass at St Mungo's Church in Townhead, Glasgow on Sunday 27th September, where she also gave a reading. 

While waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test, she took a train from Glasgow to London on Monday 28th September and also went to the House of Commons. 

When the test results came back positive, Ferrier took a train back to Glasgow. 

Now, Glasgow Sheriff Court has ordered her to do community work over a nine-month period for breaking Covid rules.

Reading his sentence, sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull told the MP the public "rightly expect the people elected to represent them to set an example". 

"You wilfully ignored the rules and did not isolate. Having tested positive you wilfully disregarded guidance and travelled by train."

He added: "It cannot be overlooked that your behaviour took place at a time of significant restrictions and before the vaccination programme had begun."

Sheriff Turnbull also said, that according to an expert who gave their opinion for the Crown, there was a "significant risk of harm arising from your behaviour because the clear public health advice to self-isolate was not followed".

Ferrier, wearing a face mask, left court without commenting.
 

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