A Banff man set himself on fire when his wife refused to let him into their home.
James Duguid had been out drinking with a friend on July 17 when he returned home to sleep it off.
But when his wife told him to sleep at his friend’s house, the 43-year-old took the drastic step of setting himself ablaze in an attempt to gain access.
Yesterday, Duguid, whose address was listed in court papers as 3 Boyndie Street West, Banff, appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously admitting he had acted abusively and threateningly towards his partner.
Fiscal depute Lixia Sun told the court that after being turned away at his doorstep, Duguid banged on the doors and windows before going into his shed and emerging with a can of petrol.
He threatened “I’ll do it”, before dousing himself in the liquid – which was described as being two-stroke fuel – and turning on his lighter.
Ms Sun added: “A flame was seen going up his arm before it went out naturally.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller described the case as “very concerning” and fined Duguid £300.
He said: “This whole thing does cause me some concern.
“This is all very concerning. I absolutely have to recognise that this is an incident that must have been extremely traumatic for your wife.”
Duguid’s defence agent, Leonard Birkenshaw, said his client had acted in a “moment of madness”.
“It’s difficult to explain,” he added.
“I don’t think it will be something that’s repeated.
“He himself knew it was two-stroke petrol and knew it effectively does not burn. He accepts it was stupid. It does seem to be a complete one-off – it is something that Mr Duguid is certainly not proud of.”