Man denies breaking into Burntisland fire station to steal car

A 31-year-old man has been accused of breaking into the fire station at Burntisland while he was drunk and stealing a vehicle.

John Malone, of Togo Place in Greenock, denied the charge when he appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Monday.

Malone was accused of forcing his way into the station at Harbour Place, Burntisland, in the early hours of Friday.

On-duty firefighters often leave their own vehicles locked in the station while they perform their duties.

It is alleged that Malone stole a set of house keys and car keys from inside the fire station before driving off in one of the vehicles.

Malone, who was also charged with being the holder of only a provisional licence and having no insurance while illegally driving the vehicle, was also accused of being over the drink-drive limit.

The vehicle which was taken was involved in a crash at a railway bridge wall before it was found.

Malone denies all the charges against him. Sheriff Alastair Thornton released Malone on bail.

A trial date was set for May.