Anthony O'Rourke set fire to a Vauxhall Astra outside Netherwood Tower in Motherwell using petrol in a beer bottle. He was jailed for 20 months after admitting wilful fire-raising.
A thug who torched a car outside a Motherwell tower block has been jailed for 20 months. Anthony O'Rourke used petrol in a beer bottle to set the vehicle alight, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week. O'Rourke, 27, admitted wilful fire-raising in a car park outside Netherwood Tower on September 12, 2023. No motive was given for the attack and the female owner was 'at a loss' as to why her Vauxhall Astra was targeted. Firefighters were called to the area around 11pm and put out the blaze.
Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, told the court: 'They noted that the car's front passenger window had been smashed and a beer bottle with a burnt blue rag was in the driver's footwell. 'There was a strong smell of petrol coming from the car. 'Police officers viewed CCTV and saw a possible suspect approach the car in possession of a bottle. A large flame was then observed and the suspect could be seen fleeing.' The bottle was sent for forensic analysis. It contained a mix of beer and petrol, and O'Rourke's DNA was found on it. He gave a 'no comment' interview when police officers arrested him. Mr Devoy added: 'Officers spoke to the Astra owner who was at a loss as to why the incident took place. 'Her insurers had the car written off with a value of £4,000, but she was £1,000 out of pocket due to the insurance excess and associated costs.' Dad of one O'Rourke admitted previous conviction
Crime Arson Motherwell Car Fire Jail Sentence
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