A row over payment for a family holiday led to a Blantyre man damaging property and starting a fire outside his sister’s home.
James Ferguson’s behaviour left family members terrified, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard on Friday.
Police officers used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze at the side of the house in Springwell Crescent, Blantyre, on July 2 last year.
Ferguson, 42, of Glenfruin Road, admitted charges of threatening or abusive behaviour, malicious damage and wilful fireraising.
Jennifer McLaren, prosecuting, said Ferguson phoned his mum, Maureen, and told her he couldn’t pay money he owed her for a forthcoming family holiday.
He sounded drunk and became aggressive as he believed other family members had not paid either.
Mrs Ferguson lived with her daughter Helen Blair and family.
Ms McLaren told the court: “Later that evening Ferguson arrived at their house. He was shouting, swearing and challenging people to fight.
“All parties, including a child aged three, were terrified and the police were contacted by Helen Blair five times about the incident.
“The accused approached a black Honda Civic, picked up a deckchair and smashed the back window and wing mirrors. He also caused a dent in the car door and kicked his mum’s mobility car before stamping on the wheel of a bicycle.
“Ferguson was also seen trying to set fire to the garden shed using a lighter and a cloth.
“He didn’t manage to do this, but did set fire to skirting boards lined against the side of the house.”
Ms McLaren said police officers, accompanied by a dog, arrived and Ferguson “gave himself up”.
She added: “Flames were coming from the skirting boards and a fire extinguisher taken from the police vehicle was used to put them out.”
Defence agent Sandy Morrison said Ferguson had been drinking heavily around the time of the incident.
He told Sheriff Douglas Brown his client is now reconciled with his family and helps care for his mum who is ill.
Sentence was deferred until April 24 and Ferguson, who has two young children, had his bail continued.
