A Perth man has avoided imprisonment despite pleading guilty to culpably and recklessly starting two fires in city centre tenements in 2019. 55-year-old Bryan Soutar’s actions resulted in over £73,000 worth of damage and forced residents to evacuate their smoke-filled homes. The incidents, occurring in May and November of 2019, took place at Soutar’s assisted living flat on Market Street and later at St Johnstoun’s Buildings on Charles Street. Near Tragedy Averted by Swift Response of Fire Crews
The court heard how Soutar’s actions could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of life if not for the rapid response of Perth’s fire crews. The first fire, in May, saw three fire crews attending the Market Street tenement block early in the morning. Eight flats in the building, managed by Blackwood Homes and Care, a charity that provides accommodation for those with disabilities and other support needs, required evacuation as the blaze took hold. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus and hose reels, worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire. The second incident, at the four-storey St Johnstoun’s Buildings in November, again saw the building filled with smoke, forcing residents to flee their homes. Witnesses reported hearing Soutar in his ground floor flat just before fire alarms activated. In both instances, Soutar was no longer present at the scene when emergency services arrived. Soutar’s Tenancy Surprisingly Remains Available Despite Significant Costs
Solicitor Lysney Barber, representing Soutar, informed the court that his client’s tenancy, surprisingly, remains available to him despite the significant financial burden his actions placed on Perth and Kinross Council. She emphasized Soutar’s comprehension of the severity of his actions and the potential for a drastically different outcome. Ms. Barber highlighted that Soutar had been residing at his Perth address for 18 months without any issues prior to these events. She acknowledged the substantial cost of repairs, conceding Soutar’s inability to contribute financially, and requested the court to consider a community-based sentence as an alternative to imprisonment. Sheriff Opts for Supervision Over Jail Time
Addressing Soutar, Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC stated that his offences met the requirements for a prison sentence. She acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility and recognition of the potential for dire consequences if not for the prompt action of emergency responders. Sheriff Bain noted Soutar’s period of stability at his new residence and, taking all factors into consideration, deemed a community payback order, with supervision, a more appropriate measure in this specific case. Soutar has been placed under supervision for 18 months. This sentence, avoiding jail time, underscores the sheriff’s emphasis on rehabilitation and Soutar’s evident remorse for the disruption and financial burden caused to Perth residents and the council.
The court heard how Soutar’s actions could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of life if not for the rapid response of Perth’s fire crews. The first fire, in May, saw three fire crews attending the Market Street tenement block early in the morning. Eight flats in the building, managed by Blackwood Homes and Care, a charity that provides accommodation for those with disabilities and other support needs, required evacuation as the blaze took hold. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus and hose reels, worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire. The second incident, at the four-storey St Johnstoun’s Buildings in November, again saw the building filled with smoke, forcing residents to flee their homes. Witnesses reported hearing Soutar in his ground floor flat just before fire alarms activated. In both instances, Soutar was no longer present at the scene when emergency services arrived. Soutar’s Tenancy Surprisingly Remains Available Despite Significant Costs
Solicitor Lysney Barber, representing Soutar, informed the court that his client’s tenancy, surprisingly, remains available to him despite the significant financial burden his actions placed on Perth and Kinross Council. She emphasized Soutar’s comprehension of the severity of his actions and the potential for a drastically different outcome. Ms. Barber highlighted that Soutar had been residing at his Perth address for 18 months without any issues prior to these events. She acknowledged the substantial cost of repairs, conceding Soutar’s inability to contribute financially, and requested the court to consider a community-based sentence as an alternative to imprisonment. Sheriff Opts for Supervision Over Jail Time
Addressing Soutar, Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC stated that his offences met the requirements for a prison sentence. She acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility and recognition of the potential for dire consequences if not for the prompt action of emergency responders. Sheriff Bain noted Soutar’s period of stability at his new residence and, taking all factors into consideration, deemed a community payback order, with supervision, a more appropriate measure in this specific case. Soutar has been placed under supervision for 18 months. This sentence, avoiding jail time, underscores the sheriff’s emphasis on rehabilitation and Soutar’s evident remorse for the disruption and financial burden caused to Perth residents and the council.