Motherwell man smashed car window and torched it after row

Luckily, a neighbour spotted Ross Findlay torching the vehicle and was able to put out the flames.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that, despite this, the damage caused ran into thousands of pounds.

Findlay, 49, of Primrose Crescent, Motherwell, admitted setting fire to the Ford Focus in nearby Aster Gardens on September 16 last year.

He was on two bail orders for other matters at the time.

Katie Allen, prosecuting, said the couple had been in a relationship for around 18 months and bought the car together.

She told the court: "On the night of this incident they were consuming alcohol at the accused's home.

"Around 10.10pm the woman noted her partner's demeanour had changed. They had an argument and he left the house.

"Two members of the public observed the accused approach the car and smash the rear window. He set alight an object and threw it into the car, causing a fire to start.

"The accused ran off. His partner heard an alarm going off and went out to see the car on fire.

"The fire service attended but, thankfully, one of the witnesses had managed to put out the flames.

"The police were alerted and Findlay was traced at Wishaw General Hospital. He was arrested and when charged replied 'Sorry'."

The court heard damage to the car cost around £5,000 to repair.

Findlay admitted previous convictions. His last jail sentence was seven years ago and since then he has received a number of community payback orders instead of prison.

His solicitor, Tom Watters, said: "These disposals reflect the fact that he has suffered the most severe mental health difficulties.

"That is what lies behind his behaviour on this occasion. He remains in a relationship with his partner."

Sheriff John Hamilton KC deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment. Findlay remains on bail.