A STEVENSTON woman has admitted to setting fire to her own house because she was depressed.

Sandra Dickson pled guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards police and fire officers after they came to her aid when her smoke alarm went off.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard that the 44-year-old was at her home in Wheatley Road, drinking on September 19 last year when the smoke alarm went off at around 11.30pm.

The Fiscal told the court the fire service attended. She stated to Fire Fighters that she had tried to set fire to the house because she was depressed. Fire fighters then contacted the police who also attended.

The Fiscal Depute said: “The accused was aggressive towards them and was shouting, swearing and refusing to enter conversation.

“She refused to desist with her behaviour and was taken to Saltcoats Police Office and due to her conduct she was charged.”

Dickson’s lawyer, Graeme Cunningham said his client had never offended before and was remorseful for her actions.

He said: “She is a 44-year-old single woman who has never been before the court before and that is a genuine position.

“She has no previous history of offending. She was drunk and she has no recollection of events and entered a plea of guilty straight away.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon warned Dickson her behaviour would not be tolerated again.

He said: “I’m going to impose a financial penalty, taking into account that you have pled guilty.

“That kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“If you do anything like this again you may be facing a more serious penalty.”

Dickson was fined £200.