Glasgow, Scotland — A former attorney involved in a shocking criminal plot to assassinate a prosecutor has been transferred to a medium secure mental health unit as he awaits sentencing. Martin Ready, 42, faced charges for orchestrating an attempted hit on prosecutor Darren Harty by navigating the murky depths of the dark web and arranging payment through cryptocurrency.
Ready was accused of using a website known as the “Online Killers Market” to coordinate what was described as a “gangland-style execution.” The plot was unveiled following comprehensive legal proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, where Ready was ultimately convicted of attempting to conspire to murder.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ready operated under the alias “Harry Brown” and funneled 0.2913 Bitcoin — amounting to approximately £5,071 — to a supposed hitman to carry out the murder. This online persona mirrored the main character of the 2009 Michael Caine film “Harry Brown,” who turns vigilante after the murder of his friend. However, it later emerged that the dark web site Ready used was actually part of a scam, profiting from those seeking illicit services.
The case took a significant turn when Ready’s mental condition was brought to focus. Judge Lady Hood confirmed that based on medical evidence, Ready suffered from serious psychological issues, including delusional disorder. His defense argued that at the time of the crime, he believed he was an “evil Jesus,” which skewed his perception of reality, though the jury ultimately dismissed claims that he lacked criminal responsibility.
Aside from laying out the murder plot, Ready had also claimed that Harty’s family-owned bar in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, served as a front for money laundering for local criminals. Ready purported that eliminating Harty would expose these illegal activities, although Harty has firmly denied any involvement with criminal organizations.
The complexities of Ready’s case reflect broader issues surrounding the use of cryptocurrency and the dark web in facilitating criminal activities. The anonymity and untraceable nature of transactions done in digital currencies such as Bitcoin provide a challenging frontier for law enforcement.
After his conviction, Ready was held at HMP Barlinnie before Judge Lady Hood ordered his transfer to Rowanbank Clinic, following a brief period where the transfer was delayed due to availability issues within the unit. Ready appeared via video link for his hearing, where he showed no visible reaction to the judge’s decisions. His lawyer, Brian McConnachie KC, noted that the interim compulsion order would extend for 12 weeks, potentially impacting the timing of Ready’s sentencing slated for May 5.
This case underscores the growing apprehension around digital dealings on the dark web, highlighting the gap between rapid technological advancements and existing legal frameworks. As digital platforms evolve, so too do the nature of crimes and the legal questions they engender, indicating an urgent need for ongoing adjustments in law enforcement protocols and judicial processes.
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