A tenant who set fire to his rental home and then threatened to kill his letting agents is awaiting sentencing.
Kenneth Begg, 60, set fire to his home in two different places, Paisley Sheriff Court heard.
He then locked the property and went to agents Penny Lane Homes in Johnstone where he threatened to “kill everyone”.
The court was told that that morning, Begg had received a letter from Penny Lane Homes warning him about complaints from neighbours about his anti-social behaviour.
When Begg arrived at the agents, he asked to speak to Martin Johnstone, who worked there.
When Mr Johnstone arrived for work, Begg and he spoke for a few minutes about the letter.
Begg then calmly announced: “That is the least of your worries – I have set the house on fire.”
Begg then produced a knife, gesturing it towards Mr Johnstone, the court heard.
He then said: “I have nothing to lose. I will kill everyone in the office.”
A staff member dialled 999. The call handler heard the events taking place and summoned police.
The court heard that Begg said: “You better get the fire service as well as I have set fire to my house.”
Begg has pleaded guilty to charges including willfully setting a fire, and admitted a charge of breach of the peace.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/death-threat-maniac-torches-home-12832601
Comments (4)
The agent must have been completely wrong about the anti-social behaviour. Perhaps the neighbours made it up.
Shealter probably think this is an over reaction from the police and just a measured response from the tenant due to the letting agent infringing on their rights.
”NEWSFLASH! Landlord fined over lack of CO detector in property after Tenant installs own working fireplace”
Hopefully he will be guaranteed security of tenure for more than the next three years.