A man who set his friend’s shed on fire causing damage of over £8000 has avoided a jail sentence.
David Carson admitted setting a shed in Duncraig Crescent in Johnstone, and its contents on fire in March last year.
Within the shed was a motorbike, tyres, tools and other equipment.
Carson, of Brown Road, Linwood, had been at his friend Michael McDaid’s house drinking alcohol on March 6 when an argument started between the pair.
Michael McDaid returned inside his house only to later find Carson had set a fire causing damage worth £8370.
Carson also suffered “significant” burns as a result of the incident.
Procurator fiscal depute Abigail McKenna previously told Paisley Sheriff Court, Carson and Michael McDaid are friends.
Martin McDaid is Michael’s father and he and his son own the shed and it’s contents which included a motorbike, tools and tyres.
Ms McKenna explained: “Around 6pm on March 6, Michael McDaid was at his home alongside the accused.
“Martin McDaid was out for the evening.
“Michael and the accused were within the home and then the garden shed, consuming alcohol and fixing Michael’s motorbike.
“Around 2am on Friday, March 7, Michael and the accused began arguing.
“As a result, Michael returned inside his house while the accused was outside in the garden shed.
“Michael returned to the shed and the argument escalated between them.
“Michael again returned inside his house and could hear the accused kicking off in the shed outside.
“Michael thereafter went to his neighbours house.
“Around 3.09am the neighbour contacted Michael’s father, Martin, and explained there had been an argument.
“The neighbour and Michael then witnessed flames coming from the back garden where the shed is located and the fire service was contacted.”
Court heard Michael McDaid attempted to put out the flames with the garden hose before the fire service arrived.
Ms McKenna added: “Michael McDaid didn’t see the accused leave the garden at any point however his phone was found on the grass.
“Fire service attended and extinguished the fire.
“Michael approached the Watch Commander and advised the fire had been set deliberately by his friend who he had been arguing with earlier that night.
“Police attended and traced the accused within the resuscitation department at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.”
The court heard officers were unable to speak to Carson as he had sustained “serious burn injuries to his hands and face” which required medical treatment.
Later that day while police were taking Carson from the RAH to the burns unit at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, he stated: “I was in the shed and the bike just went up in flames and I was kicking the door to get out but it would not open.”
Carson’s defence agent told the court: “He has a very limited record.
“The fire has had a profound effect on him both physically and mentally.
“He spent two months in hospital and suffers post traumatic stress disorder.”
Sheriff Sheena Fraser stated: “A custodial sentence would be appropriate here.
“I appreciate the fire had a significant impact on you physically and mentally.
“Significant damage was done and that reaches the custody threshold.”
As a “direct alternative” to custody, Carson was made subject to supervision of the social work department for 24 months.
Sheriff Fraser stated this “wouldn’t be an easy option” and also ordered him to wear a tag for six months keeping him within his home between 7pm and 7am each day.
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