Young victim's bravery foils murder attempt, resulting in suspect's arrest.
Craig McQuillian, a 44-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to murder a man and a young boy by starting a fire outside their high-rise flat in Edinburgh. The incident took place on November 12, and McQuillian was caught on CCTV carrying a metal crowbar and a container of petrol into the 14-storey building. He was seen using the petrol to set fire to the door of one of the flats before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the young boy inside the flat smelled the burning and was able to raise the alarm, preventing the flames from spreading further.
McQuillian pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to charges of wilful fire-raising, danger to life, and attempted murder. He admitted to deliberately setting fire to the victims' front door, blocking their only escape route. As a result, he was sentenced to six years in prison at the same court. Moira Orr from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service described the incident as an extremely reckless act that could have had devastating consequences if not for the swift actions of the victims.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service commander who attended the scene noted that the fire posed a significant risk to other residents in the building, and the blaze could have spread quickly. Even with all necessary resources in place for a high-rise rescue, it would have taken at least 15 minutes for firefighters to reach the fire. Police Scotland Detective Inspector Gordon Couper commended the victims for their bravery in the face of such a dangerous attack and assured that McQuillian would face the consequences of his actions.
The targeted attack orchestrated by McQuillian required careful planning and took place late at night when most residents would have been asleep. Commander Orr emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for dangerous acts like this to ensure the safety of communities. She also expressed gratitude for the dedication of the officers involved in the investigation and the members of the public who assisted with inquiries. Overall, the incident underscores the potential danger of such deliberate and deplorable actions and the need for swift justice in such cases to protect the community.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Craig McQuillian serves as a reminder of the serious repercussions of attempted murder and wilful fire-raising. The incident in Edinburgh highlights the importance of swift intervention and the bravery of the victims in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome. The judicial system, law enforcement, and emergency services worked collaboratively to bring McQuillian to justice and send a strong message against targeted violence in communities. It is essential to continue supporting efforts to prosecute and hold accountable those who endanger the lives of others through reckless and deliberate acts of violence.
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