MSP Kane jailed over unpaid fine

Rosie Kane was fined for this protest in Edinburgh

Socialist MSP Rosie Kane has been jailed for two weeks after refusing to pay a fine imposed for breaking the law during a nuclear demonstration.

The 45-year-old mother-of-two was among 10 people arrested last March as they protested in a 25ft model submarine outside the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Kane was eventually convicted of blocking the road and obstructing police and fined £300 in December.

She has refused to pay the sum and was jailed at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Once again, the taxpayer has to fork out for immature political posturing Bill Aitken Conservative MSP for Glasgow

After being asked by Sheriff Nigel Ross why she had not paid up, Ms Kane said she did not feel she had committed a crime.

Sheriff Ross said: "I don't really have any other option.

"A fine of £300 invokes 14 days of custody so I must impose that."

Mentally prepared

Before the hearing, the MSP said she had been prepared to go to prison but she did not want to.

"I certainly don't want to go to prison but I am prepared mentally and practically for that to happen," she said.

"But this is about international law and my conscience makes me protest against nuclear weapons."

Tory MSP Bill Aitken said Ms Kane was on an ego trip.

The Scottish Conservative chief whip said: "Once again, the taxpayer has to fork out for immature political posturing.

"What a waste of time. Ms Kane's fine should have been deducted from her parliamentary salary, along with costs."