Firestarter torched flat after feud erupted

Charles O’Neill battered his way into the property in the town’s Wilson Street with a sledgehammer before setting blazes in the living room and bedroom in the late-night attack.

The boozed-up 52-year-old was later easily spotted by police because plastic on a jacket that he was wearing had melted in the heat of the flames and his hair was also singed.

O’Neill — wearing a head torch — had told two women living downstairs in the block what he was going to do, and minutes later they saw smoke billowing from a window.

He is today behind bars after pleading guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court to wilfully starting the blaze to the danger of people’s lives and causing extensive damage.

The court heard how ‘numerous’ firefighters tackled the ‘well developed’ fire shortly after 10pm on August 30 last year as police evacuated scores of people from surrounding properties as safety concerns mounted.

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty said that the occupier of the torched flat, Bernard McFadden, had been the subject of numerous complaints to police about his behaviour.

Mr Doherty said: “In the months leading up to this incident my information is that there had been a simmering feud between Charles O’Neill and Bernard McFadden.

“Mr O’Neill knocked on the door of a mother and daughter who live on the ground floor and said to them, ‘I’m going to set Benny’s house in flames’.

“This caused slight alarm to the witnesses but it was accepted that it might be just talk.”

However, the court heard that the women thought it ‘unusual’ that O’Neill had a red-handled sledgehammer with him and that he was wearing the head torch.

Within minutes they heard loud banging noises coming from the upper floor.

Fiscal depute Mr Doherty said: “They made their way outside and looked up to see smoke coming from one of the windows of Bernard McFadden’s flat.

“The fire brigade was contacted and they in turn contacted the police.

“Several fire engines attended to find a well developed fire in the flat. There were two seats of fire, one in the only bedroom and the other in the living room.

“A sledgehammer with a red-taped handle was found in the living room.

“The street was cordoned off and residents in the surrounding tenements were evacuated.

“Numerous firefighters tackled the blaze, which was brought under control after about 30 minutes, although it took several hours to fully extinguish.

“The flat was extensively damaged.”

Mr Doherty added: “The downstairs witnesses told the police what Charles O’Neill had said to them. He was standing nearby pointing to officers.

“Mr O’Neill was spoken to and it was noted that he was under the influence of alcohol and in possession of a head torch.

“He was wearing a jacket with melted plastic on it and there was obvious singeing to his hair and soot on his face.

“During an interview at Greenock police office he made full and frank admissions to forcing entry to the then empty flat.”

O’Neill — whose partner was McFadden’s next door neighbour — told the police that he had used a naked flame and paper to set the fire.

When cautioned and charged, he said: “How deep am I in trouble here? Can I apologise to everyone concerned?”

No-one was hurt as a result of his actions.

Defence lawyer Charles Drummond said: “It appears that Bernard McFadden had been to some extent terrorising various people. There had been complaints from other neighbours too.

“Prior to this incident Charles O’Neill was assaulted by Bernard McFadden and Mr McFadden had been convicted for this.”

Sheriff Derek Hamilton, inset, deferred sentence on O’Neill for background reports and remanded him in custody.

The lawman told him: “Clearly this is one of the most serious charges someone could face — wilful fire raising to the danger of life.

“This may well result in a custodial sentence. Given the seriousness of the charge, a continuation of your bail is not appropriate.”

O’Neill, of Montgomerie Street, Port Glasgow, will learn his fate at court on June 8.