Maniac set fire to house over anti-social behaviour warning

in the house.

“This fire took hold and he closed the living room door. The accused went upstairs and started a further fire in the landing area, just below the loft hatch. He had collected materials which were highly flammable, such as papers and plastic, and possibly used an accelerant. The accused then locked the front door, leaving the fire to take effect.

“He was seen by neighbours walking away carrying holdalls and a plastic bag, while continually looking back towards his house.”

The court heard Begg marched into the letting agents at 36 High Street at 9am after they sent him a warning letter about his behaviour.

He asked to speak to Martin Johnstone, who worked there, and was asked to wait as Mr Johnstone hadn’t arrived for work yet.

When Mr Johnstone got to the office, Begg and he spoke for a few minutes until Begg told them about starting the fire at the house in Willow Avenue in Johnstone Castle.

Ms Brady added: “The accused and Mr Martin had met for about three minutes discussing the letter, when the accused then calmly announced, ‘ That is the least of your worries...I have set the house on fire.’

“He went into a rucksack he had been carrying and removed a black-handled kitchen knife.

“The accused then held the knife in his right hand and gestured towards Mr Johnstone. The knife was raised up to shoulder height.

“Mr Johnstone said to him ‘Please don’t! This is not you.’

“The witness was clearly terrified. He raised his foot in an attempt to create distance between himself and the accused as he was terrified he was about to be attacked.

“The accused said ‘ I have nothing to lose. I will kill everyone in the office.’”

The court heard that a staff member called 999 and the call handler, who could overhear the events taking place, was able to summon police.

The court heard that Begg said: “You better get the fire service as well as I have set fire to my house.”

On Thursday, the accused appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to charges of wilfully setting a fire at various locations at Willow Avenue by means of accelerant, causing damage to the property.

He also admitted breach of the peace, including making threats of violence and brandished a knife.

The court was told fire service Watch Commander Neil Gillespie found at least two seats of fire and the blaze could have spread to neighbouring properties, if not for the speedy response by firefighters.

Defence agent Chris McKenna confirmed that Begg was pleading guilty to the charges and that reports would necessary ahead of his sentencing.

He added: “Clearly there are psychological issues with Mr Begg.

“Reports will be called for and I would ask that post- release supervision may be included in the disposal.”

Sheriff Susan Sinclair continued matters for four weeks until July 26 while remanding Begg in custody.