A SALTCOATS firebug who risked neighbours’ lives when she set light to a flat in the town has been given an opportunity to rebuild her life.

The flat in Gladstone Road went up in flames last year after Chelsea Pearson set light to the curtains and blinds.

The 23-year-old was initially remanded in custody because of the seriousness of the offence – but has now been spared further jail time.

Pearson appeared for sentencing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after background reports were ordered following pleas of guilty to two charges at an earlier hearing.

She had admitted a charge of wilfully setting fire to the property, “placing other occupants within the block, and emergency service personnel, in danger”.

The charge stated that after Pearson applied the flame to the curtains and blinds, “the fire took effect thereon and spread rapidly throughout the property”.

Pearson pleaded guilty to a further charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing at police, threatening to harm herself and to set fire to the property, brandishing a knife, putting a naked flame on to an aerosol spray and throwing a kettle, aerosol can, tealights, a screwdriver, pieces of glass and a glass ornament around the flat.

She also admitted jumping from a ledge to the ground during the incident on August 16, 2023.

Pearson had been released on bail at her previous court appearance after originally being remanded in custody.

Defence solicitor David Tod said the background social work report had concluded that Pearson was suitable for a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO).

These orders are imposed by courts in cases where someone’s offending is clearly linked to significant problem drug misuse.

They include an intensive programme of treatment, as well as a random testing regime to make sure the person is not using illicit substances, and frequent reviews in court.

Pearson accepted the opportunity of an 18-month order.

Sheriff Colin Bisset said “It is your responsibility to keep good conduct with that order.

“I can revoke the order. If there is any sign that you are not complying with the order, you can be brought back before me, and it will be a completely different matter.”

Pearson's first review will take place at the end of this month.