AN MP has been sentenced to a community payback order after pleading guilty to breaching Covid rules after travelling by train despite knowing she had the Covid-19 virus.

MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West Margaret Ferrier was accused of “culpably and recklessly” putting people at risk by travelling throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas - including visiting Vic's bar in Prestwick - whilst she had coronavirus symptoms.

Prosecutors alleged that having booked a test for Covid-19, the 61-year-old put people at risk by visiting places including Lifestyle Leisure Centre, Vanilla Salon, gift shop Sweet P Boutique in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, St Mungo’s Church in Glasgow, and Vic’s Bar.

She then travelled to London by train on September 27 and spoke in the Commons later that day.

A short time after, she found out she had tested positive for the virus.

And Ms Ferrier has admitted that she had culpably and recklessly exposed the public to the virus ahead of a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The court heard Test and Protect had tried to contact her three times and left two voicemails at about 10am before Ferrier returned the call at about 2pm, almost four hours later.

Ferrier then returned to her hotel, where she spent the night, before heading back to London Euston and taking the train home to Glasgow, knowing she had Covid-19.

Lawyer Brian McConnachie KC said Ferrier had continued as normal following her Covid test on September 26 because she was sure it would be negative, as she felt better the next day.

He told the court: “The brevity of her symptoms she had experienced led her to the situation that she was convinced that the result of her test would be negative and then, demonstrating for her a remarkable lack of thought and a remarkable lack of consideration for others, she then went about her normal business.”

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He said that Ferrier wore a mask on the train to London and wore a mask and observed social distancing as situations required at the time.

However, he said the MP experienced “uncontrolled panic “ when her test result came back positive while in London and returned to Glasgow as soon as possible to isolate.

He said she feels remorse for her actions.

Margaret Ferrier was told the sentence was a direct alternative to custody and that she will need to carry out the unpaid work within nine months.

Imposing the order at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 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 continued: “It cannot be overlooked that your behaviour took place at a time of significant restrictions and before the vaccination programme had begun.”

Ms Ferrier has been ordered to complete a 270-hour community payback order.

Ferrier left court without commenting.