A drink-fuelled Angus woman who set fire to her home after her partner admitted cheating on her has been fined.
First offender Lynda Kirkwood Stewart intentionally set a fire after a morning argument with her partner resulted in her being “upset” on September 30 last year.
A sheriff told the 61-year-old she was “very fortunate” no one was injured by the fire in Kirriemuir and fined her £600.
Stewart previously admitted a charge of culpably and recklessly setting fire to the front room curtains in the couple’s Morrison Street home.
Defending Stewart, solicitor Mike Short said the couple had resolved their differences.
He said a report to the sheriff claiming there had been £10,000 of damage was inaccurate.
The court heard previously that Stewart’s partner had admitted having an affair and went to stay with his brother.
He received several phone calls from an “upset” Stewart.
During a call at 9.10pm, he heard the woman say: “Oh my God the house is on fire.”
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said an independent witness who was out walking observed the smoke, found Stewart in the back garden, and helped her to the front of the property.
Fire crews attended at 9.15pm and managed to restrict the fire to the front wall, resulting in mainly smoke damage.
Stewart appeared “irate” to police who attended and was under the influence of alcohol.
Ms Drummond said: “She stated she started the fire herself because she was upset over the affair.”
The court heard she told them: “It was just one of those stupid things. He’s been having an affair and I’d had too much to drink.”
Mr Short said: “This is something that’s completely out of context for her.
“She accepts that she has to be punished and she’s not trying to detract from that.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray told Stewart, who was visibly upset in the dock: “All the stability in your life fell apart in the space of a few months.
“You were very fortunate that the consequences were not more serious.”