A WOMAN started a fire in her home in a bizarre attempt to get yobs away from her front door.

Nadia Murchie, 24, lit mail she had received, causing her flat in Greenhill Court, Rutherglen, to be engulfed in smoke, Glasgow Sheriff Court was told.

Murchie had earlier warned a caretaker at the tower block she was going to do it unless youths were moved from outside her home.

The court was told the caretaker called police and when they arrived they forced their way into the house. They managed to stamp out the flames before any serious damage was caused.

Murchie, now of Mill Road, Hamilton, admitted a charge of culpable and reckless conduct.

Alistair Duncan, prosecuting, told the court: "Police found Murchie on the couch in the living room with music playing loudly.

"It was clear she was under the influence of alcohol. She said she had taken a candle and lit mail at her front door."

Sentence was deferred until next month and bail was continued.