A teenager faces sentencing for starting a reckless fire at a care home, raising safety concerns.
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An 18-year-old woman has been sentenced for her reckless actions that led to a fire at Durnhythe Care Home in Portsoy, Scotland. Morgan Low, now 20, ignited the blaze while taking a cigarette break, resulting in significant damage and endangering the lives of vulnerable residents receiving end-of-life care.
The incident occurred on December 14, 2022, when Low, who had only been employed at the care home for a few weeks, decided to light a cigarette while sitting on a windowsill.
According to the fiscal depute, Rebecca Thompson, the fire started around PM, and staff members had to evacuate residents as emergency services responded. The fire was quickly extinguished, but investigations revealed that it was likely caused by a naked flame held against the bottom of the curtains.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officers estimated that it would take only 20 to 30 seconds of direct contact with flames for the curtains to ignite.
A green lighter was found outside the room, and initially, Low lied about the circumstances, claiming she was in the lift when the alarm sounded. However, she later admitted to playing with the lighter and holding the flame to the curtains for about five seconds, which caused them to catch fire.
During the court proceedings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Low attempted to mislead police about her involvement. She initially stated she had been instructed to hold the lighter by the care home manager, Amanda Lakin, who later contradicted her claims. Low’s defense solicitor, Mike Munro, described her actions as “stupidity” and expressed disbelief at her behavior.
Low’s actions resulted in damages amounting to £15,560. Sheriff Philip Mann addressed Low sternly, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of her actions, particularly given the presence of residents in palliative care. He sentenced her to 270 hours of unpaid work and placed her under supervision for two years, warning her that any breach of this order could lead to custody.
The fire incident not only caused financial damage but also instilled fear and distress among the residents and staff of the care home. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of Low’s actions and serves as a warning about the dangers of reckless behavior, especially in environments where vulnerable individuals reside. The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of young employees in care settings and the importance of maintaining safety protocols.
As the community reflects on this incident, it highlights the need for greater awareness and training for staff in care homes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The repercussions of Low’s actions will resonate within the community, reminding everyone of the critical importance of safety and responsibility in caregiving environments.
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