Bizarre fire raising attempt

SENTENCE on a 27 year old man from Northumberland who attempted to set fire to a car in Shetland was deferred for good behavior when he appeared before Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Dean Armstrong, of Bridge Road, Lynemouth, also admitted a charge of entering the insecure car, ripping out the stereo system, breaking off the ignition cowling and pouring oil on a seat.

The drink-fuelled incident took place at Runafirth, in Brae, on 2 June this year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the events were “slightly bizarre” when describing how Armstrong had set fire to a piece of paper and then tried to set light to some oil.

The damage done to the car was given as £900.

Sheriff Philip Mann said he wanted Armstrong to use the time of the deferral to save up some money in preparation for a substantial fine plus compensation.

When returning back to court on 15 May next year, Armstrong can expect a fine in the region of £1,500 and a compensation order for £900, the sheriff told him.