Firebug who caused mass rescue at flats by setting his own home alight jailed for 16 months

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A destructive man who deliberately set fire to his Hamilton home has been jailed for 16 months.As reported at the time by Lanarkshire Live, John Evans' neighbours had to be rescued from the smoke-filled block of flats.He torched the flat after going to a housing office and declaring himself homeless.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Evans, 34, admitted wilful fireraising in George Court, Hamilton, on June 17, 2019.During sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Alan McDonald, prosecuting, said Evans had contacted South Lanarkshire Council three days earlier to complain and seek new accommodation.On the morning of the fire he went to a housing office in Hamilton but was asked to return at 2pm.Mr McDonald told the court: "Around 11.30am the accused was seen by a neighbour in George Court."Ten minutes later the smoke alarm in the accused's flat could be heard."Two British Transport Police officers were on patrol and noted thick smoke coming from the first floor flat."There are 11 flats in the block.

A number of residents were unable to get out of their flats because of the amount of smoke."One person went on to a narrow ledge outside his flat and two others were seen hanging out of windows, trying to get air."Fortunately, firefighters were able to rescue everyone.