A CONVICTED murderer serving a life sentence at Glenochil has been given an additional six-month term for setting his cell alight.

Norman Fraser (61) appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Monday (02 March) and pleaded guilty to the offence.

He had previously been given a life sentence for murdering a woman in Grangemouth almost four years ago.

On 14 January 2014 he set a stack of newspapers on fire while he was locked up in the Clacks prison.

He was later found passed out inside his cell but was saved due to the actions of prison guards.

Depute fiscal Marie-Claire Chaffey said: “Just after 6am, prison officers were conducting a routine patrol of the area when they heard strange noises coming from the accused’s cell.

“They smelled smoke and noticed the door was warm to touch.

“They gained access to the cell which was full of thick black smoke. The officers called out for the accused but he did not respond.

“They then spotted him lying unresponsive on the floor and wasn’t breathing.

“Officers administered first aid and managed to bring him back. He was then taken to hospital but did not require any treatment.

“The whole incident was caught on CCTV but there was minimal damage to the cell.” In 2011, Fraser was told he would have to spend at least 16 years in prison for murdering his friend at his Grangemouth flat.

He beat 46-year-old Michelle McCue to death before leaving her on his carpet for 48 hours.

It was reported that he then went off to watch the football and told friends what he had done.

During that trial it was revealed that Fraser had a criminal record stretching back to the 1970s with convictions for robbery, fraud, police assault and armed breach of the peace.

He appeared in court this week from a wheelchair and waived his right to have a solicitor speak on his behalf.

He spoke only to confirm his guilty plea and showed little interest in the proceedings.

In sentencing, Sheriff Gillian Wade said: “I am aware than any sentence I could impose here will have very little impact on the time spent in prison.

“But despite this I am required to mark this offence with an appropriate custodial sentence.

“As such I will impose a period of six months’ imprisonment, which is reduced from nine months due to the fact you accepted your guilt at an early stage.” Fraser showed no emotion as he was wheeled out of the court by officials.