A hapless enforcer who inadvertently set himself on fire while attempting to torch a car in Dundee has been infamously dubbed “Scotland’s dumbest criminal” by Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith. The case revolves around Darren Gibb, who, acting under the influence of gangland figures, targeted three vehicles in a series of reckless acts that culminated in alarming property damage and personal injury.

Gibb's actions resulted in £42,000 worth of damage to a range of vehicles, including a Volkswagen Golf, a Toyota Aygo, an Audi A6, and a Mercedes-Benz. Dramatic footage presented to Dundee Sheriff Court revealed the ferocity of the flames that engulfed these cars, ignited with accelerants. Residents in the Charleston Drive area witnessed the chaos on the early morning of September 19 last year, with one witness reporting a "loud bang" that prompted a look outside, only to discover the silver Volkswagen Golf ablaze.

Prosecutor Stephanie Paterson detailed how witnesses saw Gibb and accomplices fleeing the scene. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze in a scenario they later deemed to be wilful arson. Investigators uncovered remnants of a jerry can within a black rucksack left at the scene, aiding in linking Gibb to these acts.

The case took a further twist on October 24, when Gibb, after hiring a taxi, was seen yet again attempting to set fire to an Audi. In a chilling echo of his earlier actions, the words “let’s go Megan” were spray-painted at the scene, a message directed towards the daughter of a neighbouring resident. Caught on Ring doorbell footage, Gibb was seen using an accelerant before absconding in the direction of Old Glamis Road, leaving behind a scene of chaos that included an Audi engulfed in flames, while the owner desperately attempted to extinguish the fire.

Law enforcement apprehended Gibb shortly thereafter, his clothes reeking of petrol, evidence compounded by the burn marks on his hands and melted fabric on his jacket. During the court proceedings, his defence solicitor, Mike Short, stated that Gibb "chose to follow instructions" from higher-ranking criminals, illustrating a concerning trend of young individuals becoming embroiled in the dangerous world of organised crime, often compelled to commit violent acts.

Sheriff Niven-Smith’s remarks punctuated the absurdity of Gibb’s situation, noting, “He’s running with one of his hands on fire because the accelerant has gone on himself.” The sheriff’s quip about Gibb’s poor choices contrasted sharply with the serious implications of his actions, leading to Gibb pleading guilty to three counts of wilful fire-raising across two streets in Dundee. Sentencing has been deferred for further assessment, one that will evaluate the potential for an extended sentence and a supervised release order.

This case casts a stark light on an ongoing issue in Dundee and beyond, where fire-raising incidents have increasingly been linked to juvenile delinquency. A recent report highlighted actions taken against teenagers in Dundee for similarly reckless behaviour, with police urging parents to monitor their children's activities closely. As communities face challenges posed by such anti-social behaviour, incidents like Gibb’s serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of engaging with criminal networks, particularly for those who may feel pressure to carry out dangerous activities without understanding the potential consequences.

With sentencing pending, the court will not only evaluate Gibb’s fate but may also reflect on the broader societal implications of youth involvement in crime, as this incident sheds light on a pressing need for intervention and support for vulnerable individuals caught in the crosshairs of criminal influence.

Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services