ABERDEEN SEX OFFENDER RYAN SMITH ADMITS TO STARTING DEVASTATING WILDFIRES IN THE CITY
In July 2019, a disturbing series of events unfolded in Aberdeen involving a convicted sex offender who has now admitted to deliberately igniting a series of destructive wildfires across the city.Ryan Smith, aged 19, appeared before the sheriff court in Aberdeen to face charges related to these fires, which caused significant damage to local natural areas and prompted a large-scale firefighting response.
Smith’s criminal history is extensive, as he is already serving a three-year detention sentence following a High Court trial earlier that month.
During that trial, he was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with two teenage girls, committing sexual assault, and sending explicit photographs.
These prior convictions paint a troubling picture of Smith’s criminal behavior, which has now extended into acts of arson that threatened both the environment and public safety.
The fires in question occurred between September 9 and September 22 of the previous year, primarily affecting the Gramps nature reserve and Nigg Bay Golf Club in the Torry area of Aberdeen.
Emergency services responded to a total of 30 separate incidents over just ten days, as the grass and moorland in these areas repeatedly reignited, suggesting a pattern of deliberate ignition.
Firefighters from across the city were mobilized to contain the flames, employing various tools such as beaters, knapsacks, and even an all-terrain forestry vehicle to combat the relentless blazes.
The situation was dire, with the fires finally brought under control on September 22.
Police confirmed that a teenager had been charged with wilful fireraising in connection with the incidents.
The community’s concern was heightened by the repeated nature of the fires and the potential danger posed to both wildlife and residents.
On the day of his court appearance, Smith was seen standing in the dock flanked by security officers.
He was dressed in a green t-shirt bearing the phrase “breaking limits” in bold white letters on the back.
During the hearing, depute fiscal Katy Begg recounted the details of the initial fire, which was started during an evening walk through the Gramps with a friend on September 9.
According to Ms.
Begg, the friend was walking slightly ahead when she heard the sound of a lighter.
She turned to see Smith running towards her, but after a brief confrontation, they continued their walk.
Moments later, Smith was observed kneeling to tie his shoelace, at which point the friend again heard the lighter and saw him setting fire to a bush.
Over the following days, Smith repeatedly returned to the same route, deliberately setting fire to various plants along the way.
His actions caused widespread concern and prompted a swift police response.
He was eventually apprehended just before 8 pm on September 22 after a member of the public recognized him in the area.
During the arrest, police officers conducted a search of his belongings and discovered a large kitchen knife along with two lighters stored in a compartment of his bag.
Smith admitted to carrying the knife without a reasonable excuse, further complicating his case.
Solicitor Peter Keene requested that the court delay sentencing until additional social work reports could be prepared.
He emphasized that the reports from the High Court trial provided valuable insights into Smith’s background and issues, but he sought a supplementary assessment specifically focusing on the fireraising charges.
Smith, who resides on Northfield Place, is scheduled to be sentenced next month, with the court considering the full extent of his actions and the impact on the community.
