A man has been jailed after he torched his own workplace, causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage.
Simon Butler, 46, poured petrol in the yard of Aberdeen Heating Limited and the resulting fire engulfed seven vehicles.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that the fire ripped through the Bucksburn site causing a “catastrophic incident” and damage to vehicles that was estimated at around £14,000.
The combined damage to the yard and vehicles totalled close to £30,000.
Sandra Galloway, director of Aberdeen Heating, told the Press and Journal that the company has been unable to claim the insurance on the damage due to Butler being an employee at the firm at the time.
She added that the firm is still none the wiser as to why he started the blaze.
Butler, who has a significant record of previous convictions dating back to 1993, was jailed for one year.
Fiscal depute Christy Ward told the court that at around 1am on Sunday March 10 2019 local residents heard the sound of car alarms going off and looked out to see several vehicles ablaze.
An examination of the scene revealed that the fire had been started in one of the vans, which had spread to the other vehicles.
Police obtained CCTV footage from a nearby property that showed a man of similar build to Butler climbing into the yard prior to the blaze starting.
Mobile phone data also tracked Bulter driving into Aberdeen at the time of the blaze.
“CCTV footage was also obtained from a Tesco Petrol Station in Inverurie,” Ms Ward told the court.
“It showed that the accused filled up a jerry can with petrol before heading off.
“CCTV footage was also obtained from another petrol station on North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen at 1.24am.
“In the footage, he was seen to be wearing clothing matching that shown on the CCTV at the locus at the time of the fire.”
Bulter pleaded guilty to one charge of wilfully starting a fire that destroyed seven vehicles, tools and the contents of the vehicles.
Director Sandra Galloway said: “We’ve still no idea why he did it and we’re just glad he admitted it.
“We’re glad this is at an end and we’re pleased that he got a custodial sentence.”
Defence agent David Sutherland that the main thread of a social work report into Butler was his “impulsivity”.
“The report shows that under risk factors there is an underlying and undiagnosed mental health issue,” he said.
“There is a history of impulsive behaviour and he recognises the serious nature of the offence.
“Otherwise he is a decent member of society who has provided a home for his partner and his children.
“But he has a level of awareness and a recognition of the impact on the owner and the business.”
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin described the blaze as a “catastrophic incident”.
She added: “I feel there is no other alternative in this case other than a custodial sentence.
“The damage was significant, there was planning clearly there and you are unable to offer any real explanation for why you took this action.
“I find myself unable to see how any sentence other than a custodial sentence is appropriate to express society’s disapproval and for the punishment of this offence.”
Sheriff McLaughlin sentenced Butler, of Marchburn Drive, Aberdeen, to 12 months in prison.
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