Accused allegedly set fire to Christmas presents

A MAN has been accused of setting fire to Christmas presents after dousing them in petrol.

Kevin McGuire, of Mauchline Place West, allegedly committed the offence on January 1 2019 after smashing his way into a shed at South Strathy Farm in Dunning.

It is alleged he damaged a lawn mower, a hedge trimmer, a strimmer, a dog bed and a pressure washer along with boxes and furniture.

This was before the 36-year-old allegedly threw personal items around. McGuire allegedly covered the items in petrol and gun oil.

Prosecutors allege that McGuire culpably and recklessly set fire to items while in an unused living area after emptying two petrol cans.

He allegedly covered unopened Christmas presents, carpets, books and other items in petrol before setting them on fire.

The fire allegedly took effect and destroyed the items in a drawing room and a hallway.

McGuire was not present when the case called for a first diet at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Jillian MartinBrown fixed a further first diet for March.

A WOMAN was allegedly attacked with a needle and spat on by three people in Douglas.

Claire Hughes, 36, of Ballindean Terrace, and 46-year-olds Paul Stuart and Janine Stewart, both of Balunie Avenue, allegedly assaulted Sandie Tolan on August 18 2019 on Balunie Avenue.

Prosecutors allege all three pulled Miss Tolan to the ground after seizing her by the hair.

A struggle allegedly ensued before Miss Tolan was repeatedly kicked on the head and stamped on.

The trio allegedly spat on her before repeatedly punching her on the head and body. Thereafter, they allegedly made violent threats towards her before striking her with a needle to her injury.

The three accused did not appear at Dundee Sheriff Court for a first diet. A further hearing was fixed for April by Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown.

A MUSIC ensemble is determined not to let Covid get in the way of their Christmas traditions.

Each year, Dunedin Consort performs Handel’s Messiah at Perth Concert Hall in the run-up to Christmas, but this year, because of the pandemic, the concert hall is closed and live performances banned.

However, on Wednesday December 23 the band will perform the show at the concert hall to an empty auditorium and it will be streamed online.

It will be the only performance Dunedin Consort, who have broadcast to 20,000 people