A man who walked away from a fire in his council flat to go drinking was jailed for 22 months at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday.
David Webb left the ground floor council property in the town’s Huddart Street – but returned to the scene later and was seen with “a smirk on his face” while firemen tackled the blaze.
Sheriff Andrew Berry said that the outbreak could have had serious consequences for other residents in the block of flats.
Webb, 47, admitted on indictment having culpably and recklessly allowed the fire in the bedroom of the flat to take hold and cause extensive damage.
Neighbours raised the alarm after smelling of burning plastic and observing smoke coming from Webb’s home on November 24. They were evacuated from their homes.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after a 999 call was received and quelled the outbreak.
The fiscal continued: “The accused was not present, but curiously, he arrived after the emergency services. He appeared to be somewhat under the influence of drink and was unconcerned about the fire engulfing his property. Indeed, he seemed to be smirking about it”.
The fiscal added that it hadn’t been possible to establish how the fire had started but it was clear that Webb had allowed it to take effect.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald referred to ongoing issues in Webb’s life – regarding alcohol abuse and mental health problems and there were indications of a personality disorder. She added that Webb had gone off drinking after the fire broke out and was still drinking when he returned to the scene.
Sheriff Berry said: “It has been suggested that when you realised your home was on fire you had something of a smirk on your face. I think you have little understanding of the potentially serious harm that could have been caused to members of the community.”
The sentence is backdated to November 24 when Webb was arrested. In the interest of “protecting the public from serious harm”, the accused will be under supervision for 11 months after he is released from prison.
