Greenock fire starter put children's lives in danger

Ryan Keenan set fire to a Volkswagen Golf in the east end of Greenock but the flames rapidly spread to the porch of a house where the youngsters were inside with two adults.

Reckless Keenan, 26, was intoxicated when he targeted the car over a 'perceived wrong against his family' - whilst out on bail regarding another criminal matter.

The repeat offender - described as having 'limited insight and remorse' - received an 18-month jail term on Tuesday. But because it has been backdated to when he was first remanded in custody last October, he will be released this month.

A sentencing hearing was told that 'greater harm could have been caused' had it not been for the quick response of Greenock's firefighters to the emergency.

Keenan's lawyer, Derek Buchanan, expressed surprise at social workers assessing his client as being of 'medium risk' of reoffending, despite emphasising his 'lack of consequential thinking'.

Mr Buchanan said: "I would have described him as probably being in the higher [reoffending] category."

Keenan was jailed in 2014 for a vicious kicking and stamping attack on a man, which was carried out with an accomplice.

He was told by a sheriff at the time that his actions could have easily resulted in the victim's death.

The court was told that Keenan had already spent the equivalent of a 17-month prison sentence on remand for his latest offence.

Solicitor Mr Buchanan said: "He was intoxicated and the attack does appear to have been done by way of a perceived wrong against his family.

"He understands that what happened was wrong.

"He is somebody who is quite easily led and easily manipulated."

Mr Buchanan said Keenan had demonstrated 'elements of concrete thinking' but added that he is 'not able to recognise the potential harm this could have caused'.

The solicitor added: "It was not just adults but children in that house too.

"There is no doubt this is an extremely serious matter and he accepts responsibility for it.

"The custody threshold has been more than met and custody would be entirely appropriate, I don't seek to argue with that."

Keenan was described in court as having additional support needs and problems with impulse control.

Sheriff James Varney stated that there was a 'very high degree of recklessness' in his actions.

The sheriff told Keenan: "I understand the background of the history between the families but your action was disproportionate and dangerous.

"You intended to cause harm and you were reckless.

"There was a degree of planning, albeit you were under the influence which is no excuse.

"Had it not been for the emergency services greater harm could have been caused by your conduct.

"A custodial sentence is the only appropriate sentence available."

The sheriff said Keenan had shown 'limited insight and remorse' into the incident, while he is 'no stranger to the court, and has 'historic non-compliance' with court orders.

Keenan will be subject to a six-month supervised release order once he is liberated from prison.