Trial set for man accused of murdering neighbour in Pollokshields fire

A man is to stand trial charged with murdering his neighbour in a house fire.

Junaid Saddiqui, 54, is accused of starting a blaze at his flat in Lincluden Path in Glasgow's Pollokshields last June 1.

Prosecutors claim he wilfully set fire to paper and an accelerant in the living room and a cupboard.

It is alleged the blaze, smoke and other gases spread throughout the property, other flats nearby and an adjacent building.

This is said to have caused extensive damage as well as danger to the lives of other occupants.

The charge claims 48 year-old Rahul Thakur - who the indictment states lived next to Saddiqui - was overcome by smoke and gases leaving him so severely injured that he died.

Ronnie Renucci QC, defending, today offered to plead guilty to the reduced allegation of culpable homicide with mention of "accelerant" removed.

But, this was rejected by prosecutor Derick Nelson at the hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Saddiqui will now stand trial for murder after judge Lady Stacey fixed a seven day case for April.

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