A man who tried to murder a former friend when he torched his home in the dead of night has been jailed.
Stephen Robertson started the blaze after falling out with Brian Hendry following a row over boxing gloves.
He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow today after admitting attempting to murder Mr Hendry, his wife Nicola, both 48, and their 21-year-old deaf son Ethan.
A judge had previously watched CCTV footage of the fire rippling through the property in Renfrew as the family slept in May 2021.
Fortunately they managed to escape the flames that wrecked their home causing £140,000 in damage.
The court heard the family's seven-year friendship with Robertson deteriorated in September 2020 due to an argument over "borrowed property."
The family were asleep on the night of the incident when Robertson turned up, poured petrol onto their front door and set it alight.
Mrs Hendry woke up with the smoke alarm sounding at 3am and roused her family, who managed to escape to the street.
Robertson pled guilty in February to a charge of attempted murder by wilful fire-raising.
Jailing Robertson for eight years today Lady Stacey told Robertson: "This is an extremely serious matter. What you did could have caused the death of three people.
"It is very fortunate that it did not.
"You will be under supervision for a period after your release.
"I am not satisfied you will not present a danger to the public even after you come out of prison."
Robertson will be monitored for a further three years on being freed.
