Dalmellington mum's home set alight by former partner

Mar 5 2010

A MAN has been charged with setting fire to the home of his former partner.

Edward Smith is alleged to have torched the building following a row with the woman at her Dalmellington home.

It is claimed that the 34-year-old assaulted the lady at around 2.15pm on Friday, February 26 at the house in Craiglea Crescent.

She is then believed to have escaped to a neighbour’s home before Smith started the blaze.

He appeared in private at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday charged with willful fireraising at the house and assaulting his ex-partner within it.

Smith is also accused of assaulting a member of the public and a further charge of assault to injury.

He has further been charged with two counts of breach of the peace.

In addition it is claimed that when police arrived Smith resisted arrest and assaulted an officer.

He was held in custody at Ayr police office over the weekend before appearing in court on Monday morning.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

Smith, of Corserine Terrace, Bellsbank, will be back in court next week.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “We can confirm we attended a house fire at an end terrace house in Dalmellington.

“Officers using four sets of breathing apparatus and two hosereel jets brought the fire under control.

“A joint investigation between ourselves and Strathclyde Police is ongoing.”