A 29-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO ADMITTED WILFULLY SETTING FIRE TO HIS OWN FLAT IN MELROSE HAS BEEN ORDERED TO CARRY OUT 200 HOURS OF UNPAID WORK.
Thomas Baigan admitted to unlawfully possessing a replica firearm with the intent to harm his mother, following an incident at St Dunstan's Park in January 2021.During proceedings at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Baigan had already spent seven months in custody on remand related to the same case.
His legal representative noted that Baigan had been experiencing mental health issues and lacked support during the Covid pandemic.
Emergency services responded to reports around 9pm, when neighbors observed smoke emanating from the upper-floor flat.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a small lingering fire in the middle of the living room, along with several weapons.
Baigan, who had previously left the premises, returned and inquired, 'What's going on?' an officer responded, 'There’s been a fire.' Baigan then acknowledged, 'I know, I started it.'
