Lincolnshire Police have released shocking footage of the moment a deliberate fire was started in the A&E department of Lincoln County Hospital.
John Gillon Watson, 57, was today sentenced to six years and nine months for the crime.
The CCTV footage shows Watson, wearing a distinctive black jacket with Elvis on the back, entering a room just off the main A&E department.
The corridor quickly fills with smoke from the room and the fire alarm sounds.
Worried members of staff quickly evacuate the department, and Watson himself is escorted out of the smoke-filled corridor after he emerges from the room.
The fire caused extensive damage, with the A&E department closed down for 48 hours, and more than 3,300 patient appointments for diagnostic tests delayed.
It could have caused an explosion as medical oxygen piping running throughout the hospital could have ignited.
The blaze took place in the early hours of March 29 2022.
John Gillon Watson captured on CCTV shortly before starting a fire in Lincoln County Hospital | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Watson, of Vicarage Court, Sleaford, had entered the hospital as a patient claiming chest pains, and was later identified from the CCTV footage.
He was arrested later that day, with a lighter found in his sock, and charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life is endangered.
He never provided a motive for igniting the fire, and refused to co-operate with either a probation or psychiatric report.
However, he admitted a separate arson charge months before where he set fire to a bin near to a burger bar in an alleyway in Sleaford Market Place on October 16 2021.
Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court, Judge James House KC sentenced Watson to six years and nine months in prison.
The judge also stated that Watson was a dangerous offender and gave him a five-year extended licence period on his release from jail.
John Gillon Watson seen on CCTV after starting a fire in Lincoln County Hospital | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Detective Sergeant Dave Patten from Lincoln CID, who led the investigation, said, “This was a senseless and reckless act of arson that could have caused significant harm to both staff and patients.
“The impact of Watson’s actions on the community and the hospital teams has been profound, with patients having to be diverted to other treatment centers, and clean up and repair work impacting the use of a busy emergency department.”
The hospital blaze caused chaos and disruption, with patients and staff evacuated from the A&E department. Six crews from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue had to tackle the fire, which took an hour to extinguish.
Watson refused to leave his cell for his sentencing on Monday.
He remained laid on his bed watching TV and vaping, according to a prison officer.
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: