Bored youth sets fire to police station

Nov 20 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Yob sets fire to police station because bored

A LOUT set fire to a police station because he was bored.

Bizarrely, Alan Pepworth earlier walked into the office and asked if he was a wanted man.

The 18-year-old was boozed up when he committed the offence on September 16 this year.

After confirming that he was not wanted, Pepworth loitered outside Ayr police office smoking.

Moments later, a police officer smelt burning.

The horrified officer discovered the automatic doors were propped open with a blazing traffic cone.

Later, when he was lifted by cops, he said: “I did it, I was bored.”

Pepworth also claimed to officers that he had taken an overdose of paracetamol and was promptly taken to hospital. While he was there, the thug again admitted: “I did it for a laugh.”

Pepworth pleaded guilty when he appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court this week.

Depute fiscal Melissa Keel told Sheriff Carole Cunningham that when Pepworth was searched, he was found in possession of a lighter.

Defence lawyer Tony Currie told the court that his client has a drink problem.

Sheriff Cunningham heaped praise on the quick-thinking officers who brought the fire under control.

She went on to say that the offence was very serious, even though damage was limited to scorch marks on the walls and posters.

Sheriff Cunningham added: “This court would be failing in its duty if it didn’t impose some period of detention.”

Pepworth, of Fenwickland Avenue in Ayr, was sentenced to four months behind bars.