Son jailed for setting fire to mother's house in Perth

A Perth man who was jailed for breaking into his mother's house and setting it on fire denied he was trying to kill her, a court has heard.

Brian Rodgers, 44, admitted starting the blaze to the severe injury and endangerment of life of his mother in Parkhead Gardens in June.

The court was told that Rodgers had poured petrol on clothes and furnishings in her home and ignited it while his mother was inside the property.

He was jailed for four years and eight months at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Judge Michael O'Grady also imposed a 10-year non-harassment order on Rodgers.

The court was told that Rodgers was seen breaking a glass pane on the front door of the house with a hammer before entering.

He had earlier told his father that he was going to kill his mother as she would not give him money.

The court heard that Rodger's sister had managed to get their mother to safety after the fire was started.

Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel told judge O'Grady that Rodgers was subsequently detained by police.

She said: "The accused stated he understood his arrest. He was cautioned and made the following reply: 'I didn't try to kill my mum. I love her.'"

The court heard previously that Rodgers had a good relationship with his mother and both were active members at their bowling club.

Rodgers had regularly asked her for £50 to £60 per week and she usually gave it to him.

On the day of the fire, he had asked his mother for money again and she said she would think about it.

He later sent her text messages saying he was unhappy about how she was dealing with his request.

Rodgers later phoned his father to complain, and was told if he "didn't spend so much money on drink and drugs, he'd have more cash of his own."

Prosecutor Dalziel added: "The accused became aggressive at this point threatening 'I'm going to cause carnage. I'm away to kill mum.'"

After damaging the window and tyres of his mother's car, Rodgers phoned his sister and told her: "I will set mum on fire."

The court heard that his mother ended up standing in the flames, which set her socks alight.

She was later treated in hospital for burns.

Judge O'Grady told Rodgers the attack had been "horrific".

He said: "Trapped in her own home, she had to watch helplessly as you set about forcing entry, dousing the house with petrol, and in the face of her pleading, set fire to it, with the potential for disaster it so obviously entailed.

"You then simply made off leaving your mother to her fate.

"The effects on your mother have inevitably been profound.

"It is perhaps remarkable and a matter of complete chance that the events did not lead to a more catastrophic outcome."