The jailing of a man responsible for a large fire that caused £1 million worth of damage at a Glenrothes business premises two years ago has been welcomed by police
Steven Kerr pleaded guilty to wilful fire-raising at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Tuesday after the incident at Tullis Russell on December 27 2011.
The 31-year-old was handed a 42-month prison sentence.
Police launched a major inquiry to identify those responsible after the blaze.
Kerr was subsequently charged on April 24 last year after a robust investigation.
Police welcomed the sentence and thanked the local community for their assistance during this inquiry.
Detective sergeant Stewart Andrew said: “Not only did this fire result in significant damage to a main employer in the Glenrothes area, it put both lives and livelihoods at serious risk.
“Kerr has proven himself to be a malicious and reckless individual who showed little regard for the repercussions of his actions and has even still failed to provide a motive for starting the blaze.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the general public for their support and cooperation during our investigation, and also Tullis Russell for their continued assistance throughout.”
The investigation was launched after a series of suspicious fires at the Tullis Russell paper mill.
The fires were brought under control and no one was injured.
Because the fires began in several parts of the complex at the same time, police believed they may have been started deliberately.
Last year, police released CCTV images taken at Glenrothes Bus Station around the time of the alleged incident of people who they thought may be able to help with the probe.
Tullis Russell also put up a considerable reward of £3,000 for information leading to an arrest and subsequent conviction.
malexander@thecourier.co.uk