Adobe StockA man who sparked a blaze at his victim’s home after warning him he was going to “petrol bomb” the flat has been jailed for more than three years.
Andrew Sneddon, 43, had initially been spotted going into the block in Kirkcaldy, Fife on February 4 this year.
He went to the door of his victim, banged on it before threatening: “You have five seconds to open or I will petrol bomb it”.
Prosecutor Ali Murray told the High Court in Glasgow that the man recognised Sneddon’s voice.
He then became aware of what was described as an “accelerant” coming in via his letterbox before it was ignited.
The shocked victim and a woman in the flat helped quell the blaze before any serious damage could be done.
Fire crews arrived and made the area safe.
Sneddon was traced days later at a property in the town, but made no comment when quizzed about the incident.
He had initially faced an attempted murder accusation.
But, Sneddon instead pled guilty to a charge of wilful fire-raising to the danger of life.
Lord Colbeck sentenced him to three years and five months in jail on Monday.
Sneddon will also be supervised for a further 12 months on his release.
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