Man started blaze to frighten ex-partner

Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard this week that Christopher Scott had risked two gas cans, sitting feet away, blowing up anything in a 25-metre radius when he started the blaze.

Scott (30) had been kicked out of his girlfriend’s house in Kennoway – but returned to pick up belongings he had left.

He made accusations against his ex before deciding to start a blaze to “get at her”.

Fiscal depute Beverly Adam told the court: “Around 8.30pm on August 20 last year, the complainer was in the bathroom when she heard knocking. She saw the accused and there was shouting between them.

“A neighbour then saw the accused go to the pavement and pour what was left in a petrol can out and light it with a lighter.

“The neighbour saw flames and opened the window and asked what he was doing.

“He then got the garden hose and attempted to put out the flames, eventually doing so.

“The complainer then saw him get in his car and drive off.”

Ms Adam said there were two gas canisters sitting beside where the flames had been.

“When he was traced by police, the accused said he had poured it out in a slabbed area, then lit it,” she added.

“He said it was to get at her and to give her a fright.

“Fire officers said had the gas cans exploded, there could have been severe damage and injury to occupants.

“If the fire had not been put out, the fire service would say there would have been a risk. The radius of damage would have been up to 25 metres in any direction.”

Scott, of Kilmux Park, Kennoway, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of culpably and recklessly setting a fire that endangered nearby properties.

Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC deferred sentence until later this month for social work background reports and released Scott on bail meantime.