Man admits party prank fire death

McAnally was bailed pending sentence later this month

A former soldier who caused the death of a friend during a party prank at a flat in Ayrshire has pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Jason McAnally, 22, lit a firework while trying to wake Sean Keenan at the property in Ayr in November.

The rocket caused a fire in which the 21-year-old died from smoke inhalation.

Judge Lord Uist deferred sentencing until later this month and allowed McAnally to remain on bail.

The court heard how McAnally ignited the firework before rejoining others and telling them: "He didn't even flinch. He slept like a baby."

This is a very tragic case in which you have pled guilty to causing the death of a friend through a very foolish act on your part Lord Uist

Flames from the rocket spread to clothing and a blaze broke out in the flat where Mr Keenan was sleeping.

Firefighters were called to the house and found the victim apparently dead beneath a bedroom window.

Mr Keenan was overcome by smoke inhalation and attempts at resuscitation failed.

McAnally, from Prestwick, Ayrshire, originally faced a murder charge.

He pleaded guilty to culpably and recklessly, and with criminal disregard for the consequences, setting fire to a house at Mill Street in Ayr, by igniting a firework and killing the victim on 9 November last year.

Lord Uist told McAnally: "This is a very tragic case in which you have pled guilty to causing the death of a friend through a very foolish act on your part.

"To put it mildly, it was a very rash act."

The judge said that because McAnally had never been jailed before, he required a background report before sentencing him.