Scots firebug caught on CCTV torching church hours before service
dailyrecord.co.ukA firebug who torched a church hours before a Sunday morning service was due to take place has been jailed for a year. Scott Hotchkiss was caught on CCTV with newspapers he used to start the blaze that caused nearly £90,000 worth of damage.Bibles were among items destroyed and the congregation were without their church for five months while repair work was done.
Hotchkiss, 25, was sentenced on Tuesday.He admitted wilfully setting fire to Jackson Church of Scotland in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, while on bail on February 13 last year.
Flora McCamley, prosecuting, said the alarm was raised shortly after 3am.She told Airdrie Sheriff Court: "Firefighters attended and saw fire coming from the main entrance door.
Newspapers had been put up against the door and were the main source of ignition. The fire was extinguished but caused damage to the door, cladding and electrical lighting."It had a significant effect on the church community who had to hold services elsewhere.
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