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A Glasgow man who deliberately set fire to a truck while the driver was asleep inside has been sentenced to more than five years in prison.
George Brownlie, 54, carried out a series of random arson attacks near his home in Scotstoun, Glasgow, in July 2025. The fires, which occurred over a two-week period, caused extensive damage to vehicles and property.
The incident began around 2 a.m. on July 2025, when Brownlie opened a bin in Balmoral Street, ignited the contents, and walked away. The fire spread quickly, damaging nearby cars and a garage. Prosecutor Alasdair Shaw told the High Court in Glasgow that the fire "took hold and caused damage to nearby cars and garage property," resulting in a £27,000 repair bill.
Later that same night, Brownlie set fire to the rear of a parked car transporter loaded with about 12 scrap vehicles. The flames "engulfed" the motors, according to the court. A passing motorist spotted the fire and banged on the cab's windows. The driver, Joseph McInnes, who had been sleeping inside, woke up, disconnected the cab from the trailer, and moved it to safety. A 999 call was made.
Brownlie's arson spree continued. He then set fire to a Ford Transit van and a Citroën car in Curle Street, Whiteinch, damaging both vehicles. Two weeks later, he torched a Peugeot car in an underground parking garage near his home.
Police arrested Brownlie after reviewing CCTV footage. He admitted to four counts of wilful fire-raising.
During the sentencing, Judge Lord Arthurson questioned the defense lawyer, Allan MacLeod, about the motive. MacLeod explained that Brownlie's mother had died months before the crimes, triggering a spiral of alcohol and drug abuse, including both prescribed and illegal substances. "There is a period of two months of his life which he has no recollection whatsoever of anything that happened," MacLeod said. "The offences happened within that period. He is utterly ashamed of his conduct."
The judge sentenced Brownlie to five years and three months in prison, reduced from seven years due to his guilty pleas.
Expert perspective: Arson cases involving sleeping victims are considered particularly dangerous because victims are often unaware of the threat until it's too late. Dr. Laura Simmons, a forensic psychologist at the University of Edinburgh, noted that "such crimes indicate a high level of recklessness and disregard for human life, even if the perpetrator claims no memory of the events." She added that substance abuse can impair judgment and lead to impulsive behavior, but it does not absolve responsibility.
Legal context: In the United States, similar arson charges can carry federal sentences of up to 20 years if the crime involves an interstate commerce vehicle or a federal facility. While Brownlie's case was handled in Scotland, the severity of the sentence reflects the danger posed to the sleeping driver.
The case highlights the importance of public vigilance and rapid response. The driver's quick thinking in disconnecting the cab likely prevented a more serious tragedy. Fire safety experts recommend that drivers of commercial vehicles park in well-lit areas and consider installing motion-activated alarms as a deterrent.
Brownlie's actions also caused significant financial damage. The garage fire alone required £27,000 in repairs, and the destroyed scrap vehicles added to the cost. Insurance companies may seek to recover losses from the perpetrator, but with a jail sentence of over five years, any restitution is unlikely to be paid quickly.
The court did not specify whether Brownlie will face any additional civil lawsuits from the victims. However, such cases often result in criminal compensation orders, requiring the offender to pay damages upon release.
Public safety message: Fire services across the UK have urged the public to report suspicious behavior immediately. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that "deliberate fires put lives and property at risk, and we will continue to work with police to bring offenders to justice."
For commercial drivers, the incident serves as a reminder to check surroundings before sleeping, and to have escape plans ready. Transport companies are advised to equip vehicles with fire suppression systems and emergency exit tools.
Brownlie's case is now closed, but the scars of his arson spree remain. The victims, including the driver who had to escape a burning truck, will likely remember the terror for years.
