Man jailed for starting fire in Glasgow flat and trapping family

A man who started a fire at a block of flats in Glasgow which trapped a terrified family inside was jailed today for 19 months.

Kevin Murphy, 37, sparked the blaze from the inside stairs of the building in Drumchapel on May 17 2022.

Murphy - who has little recollection of the incident - believes he attempted to light in e-cigarette while under the influence.

A total of 13 floors - which contain four flats on each - were cleared out while firefighters tackled the inferno.

However, a family of five - which included a pregnant mum - were told to remain in their home near an open window as they were unable to escape.

Murphy pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to culpably and recklessly starting the fire.

Sheriff Gerard Bonnar ordered Murphy, of the city's Knightswood, to be under supervision for nine months upon his release from prison.

The court earlier heard that Murphy had been at a friend's house while drunk.

He left to go to a nearby shop and returned to the building but forgot where his friend stayed.

Witnesses heard Murphy shout "Ricky" in an attempt to find the flat.

CCTV later reviewed showed Murphy walk to the 13th and highest floor of the building.

The father family of five who lived on the floor smelled smoke coming from the door.

Prosecutor Sean Docherty said: "He opened the door and was overwhelmed by smoke and saw the fire then retreated to his flat."

The witness contacted the fire service who then ordered the family to remain at the property and remain near an open window.

Mr Docherty added: "The children were scared and crying.

"All the flats were emptied except the flat of the family.""

Fire fighters later found Murphy lying on the ground on the 13th floor and he was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

He was arrested by police and stated to officers when quizzed that he "may have been smoking."

Susan Gibson, defending, told the court: "He said he thought he might have had tried to light an e-cigarette thinking it was a real cigarette.

"There was no real cause or accelerant to the fire being started."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.