Fife man sets fire to ex-lover’s home and robs two shops after being dumped

A Fife man set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s home and robbed two shops in the run-up to Christmas after being dumped.

James Morrison trashed the house Lesley Stark shared with her children and set fire to a mattress after she ended their relationship.

The 25-year-old also carried out two armed robberies at shops in Cowdenbeath on the same day.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Morrison became ‘aggressive’ when Miss Stark decided to end the relationship and she had to flee her home after he started smashing items.

Neighbours then spotted smoke coming from the house with one rushing to the property to check if anyone was trapped in the building.

Morrison had fled the scene before fire crews arrived and went on to rob two shops in the town.

He stole £250 from the Nicky News store after attacking a worker with a piece of glass and took alcohol and cigarettes from Max Grocers after brandishing a bottle at a staff member.

Police found him hiding in a bush later that day.

Morrison pled guilty to wilful fireraising and two charges of assault and robbery.

He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month after reports.