Attack Over a £30 Drug Debt
Two Lanarkshire men have been sentenced to three years in prison for a petrol bomb attack on a home where a pregnant woman was sleeping. Luke Monaghan, 38, and Adam Sloan, 39, both from Carluke, admitted wilful fireraising at Airdrie Sheriff Court. The attack occurred at 4am on August 14, 2024, in Unitas Crescent, Carluke, and was motivated by a £30 drug debt.
Details of the Attack
The court heard that Monaghan and Sloan made petrol bombs, transported them to the house, and took steps to avoid CCTV and ring doorbell cameras. They threw the bombs at both ends of the house. A 54-year-old woman and her son managed to extinguish the flames using pots of water and a water bottle. Police attending the scene smelled petrol and found a smashed bottle with a rag in the neck lying below a window. Monaghan's fingerprint and Sloan's DNA were found on the bottle, and the rag contained DNA from both men.
Victim Impact Statement
Sheriff Joseph Hughes referred to a “powerful” victim impact statement that described the occupants' terror at the “intensity” of the flames. The statement read: “Seeing how quickly the fire had taken hold and how high the flames reached made me realise just how serious the danger was.” It added: “Now we are always on edge, worrying that something similar could happen again. Grandchildren fear visiting us. The house is a place where the family should come together but is instead a source of fear and anxiety. The emotional impact has been significant with sleepless nights and constant worry. The fire has changed the way we live and how we feel about our home.”
Sheriff's Sentencing Remarks
Sheriff Hughes told the pair: “This was a planned revenge attack – deliberate, premeditated and orchestrated. You made petrol bombs, transported them to this house and took steps to avoid CCTV and ring doorbell cameras. You acted in full knowledge that those inside were at obvious risk. A victim impact statement says petrol bombs were thrown at both ends of the house. The writer has no doubt that you did not intend anyone to escape. It’s only good fortune that no person suffered physical injury.” He added: “These people were attacked in their home where they are entitled to feel safest. Petrol bombing a house in darkness while the occupants are asleep calls for a substantial custodial sentence.”
Defence Mitigation
Defence lawyer Mark Lutton said Monaghan “became involved in a dispute that had nothing to do with him.” Tom McGovern, representing Sloan, told the sheriff: “This was stupid behaviour. My client has struggled with substance abuse and that has influenced his decision-making.” The court heard Monaghan told social workers the house was targeted over a £30 drug debt due to Sloan.
