Man jailed for threatening to set woman on fire

A man who covered a woman with lighter fluid and threatened to set her on fire in Aberdeenshire has been jailed for nine years.

Ian McIntyre, 40, sprayed his former partner from head to toe at a property in Auchmacoy in December 2024.

He brandished a lighter at her and sparked it.

McIntyre, of Ellon, had previously admitted assault to the danger of life. He will be supervised for a further six years following his release from custody.

He said during a 999 call: "Good luck in getting here on time."

When officers responded, McIntyre sprayed the flammable fluid towards two constables, before firearms officers arrived and removed him from the property.

Judge Lord Arthurson had previously deferred sentence for background reports.

He wanted to know if McIntyre met the criteria for an order of lifelong restriction - which means release is granted once the parole board no longer considers the person a threat to public safety.

Defence advocate Neil Beardmore told the court that McIntyre appreciated the seriousness of his conduct.

He added: "He expresses his remorse."

Passing sentence, Lord Arthurson said he concluded that McIntyre did not meet the criteria in a "borderline" decision.

However the judge said: "It is clear that the nature and gravity of your offending requires the imposition of an immediate and very substantial custodial sentence.

"You subjected your victim to an appalling ordeal."