Fireraising Forfar man who caused £550k worth of damage spared jail.

Firebug must comply with conditions or face a custodial sentence

A firebug who caused £550,000 worth of damage at Dundee’s docks after deliberately setting a water tower ablaze has avoided jail.

Dean Yeats, 25, from Forfar, has been placed under supervision for two years and ordered to comply with compulsory mental health, drug and alcohol treatment.

At Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael stressed that if he does not comply with the conditions there would be a “high chance” of a custodial sentence.

Yeats told onlookers: “It was me – I didn’t mean it” after an inferno swept across the King George V pumping station at Dundee docks, pictured, in February this year.

He said he had set fire to a piece of paper and threw it onto the pumping station. Firefighters found him standing beside the blaze, throwing other items including bottles and paving slabs at it, and had to pull him away.

Yeats had previously pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of culpable and reckless fire-raising at Dundee Sheriff Court in October.

His defence solicitor, Craig Scott, said: “This is a matter for which Mr Yeats took full responsibility at an early stage.

“He accepts that the damage caused was at such a level that it must be addressed fully. He is fully aware of all the sentencing options available to the court.

“When he saw the extent of the damage he was instantly apologetic. From the psychiatric report it is clear that Mr Yeats is someone who requires assistance, which he is open to.”

Sheriff Carmichael imposed a community payback order which requires Yeats to be under supervision for two years and to comply with mental health, alcohol and drug treatment.

Sheriff Carmichael said: “This was a serious matter and I think you know this. “A lot of damage was done. “This puts it in the realm of a custodial sentence.

“However, the psychiatric report makes it clear that you are in need of treatment, and that you are a suitable candidate.

“I’m going to impose a community payback order, which is a direct alternative to custody. Your treatment will no longer be optional but compulsory.

“If you break the conditions there will be a high chance of a custodial sentence.”

“

Your treatment will no longer be optional but compulsory. SHERIFF ALASTAIR CARMICHAEL