Yob claims he can’t remember setting fire to a door in property

A Renfrew man claims he can’t remember setting fire to a door due to the fact he had taken street Valium.

Gavin Keegan has “little recollection” of setting a door on fire at a property in Renfrew’s Renfield Street on March 6.

The 26-year-old was caught in the act by police officers who were conducting enquiries in the area in relation to a separate matter.

Procurator fiscal depute Michael Cunningham told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 4pm on March 6, PC Crawford and Gourley were conducting local investigations for an unrelated enquiry in Renfield

Street when their attention was drawn to the accused.

“Keegan was staggering on the pavement and acting suspiciously looking into property windows and then entering and exiting the common close of number nine, and then leaving.

“Keegan then entered the common close of number 11 Renfield Street.

“Due to this, the officers attended and heard a noise from the rear common close door.

“They then observed the common close door to be open and pulled out at the bottom at an angle with an internal door propped up on its side.”

Court heard the internal door was a damaged door that had been put out by one of the flats in the building and it was lying in the garden.

Mr Cunningham added: “A large hole in the door had exposed the internal cardboard mesh within which had caught fire and police observed Keegan with a lighter in his hand and setting light to the door which was on fire.

“PC Gourley and Crawford identified themselves, Keegan was restrained and the fire was extinguished with the only damage being burn marks to the cardboard honeycomb mesh of the door.

“Keegan was placed in the rear of a police vehicle at which time a lighter was seized from his trouser pocket.

“At 4.35pm, Keegan was charged with wilful fire-raising and he replied, ‘Is there any evidence?’

“He was taken to Greenock police station and while enroute and under caution, he stated, ‘I’ll not be kept in for this, it’s not the worst crime in the world.’

“He was processed and held in custody to appear in court the following day.”

Defence agent, Terry Gallanagh told the court there “wasn’t much to be said” in mitigation for Keegan’s behaviour.

Mr Gallanagh added: “His recollection is scant due to his consumption of street Valium at the time.

“Reports may assist the court given Mr Keegan was subject to a community payback order at the time of this offence and I’ll reserve further mitigation.”

Sheriff Gillian Craig said: “Given the fact you’ve had community based disposals before and given the nature of the offence, I’m going to call for reports.”

Keegan, of Ferguson Street, Renfrew had his bail order continued for the preparation of background reports.

He will return to court for sentencing later this month, on June 29.

Police observed Keegan with a lighter in his hand and setting light to the door which was on fire