Scottish Dad Ignites Home With Son Inside: Claims ‘Devil’ Ordered Family’s Death

Just before the holiday season, Alexander Reape ignited a fire in his home while his son was present.

A father who ignited a fire in his residence while his teenage son was inside has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Alexander Reape caused the fire at their terraced home in Livingston, West Lothian shortly before Christmas 2023, later asserting that he was instructed by the “devil” to commit the act. His son, Alexander Junior, managed to escape and even pulled his father out, but Reape re-entered the home to set fire to a jacket and some blinds.

Reape received his sentence today at the High Court in Glasgow, after admitting to the charge of willfully setting fire with potential danger to life.

Originally facing charges for attempting to murder his son, Judge Tom Hughes reduced his sentence from six years to four, acknowledging his guilty plea.

The court learned that Reape, whose father served as a retired army sergeant, has battled with mental health issues for years. It was revealed that he was particularly upset on the day of the incident for not being hospitalized.

Reape disclosed to a medical professional, “The devil’s voice is telling me to kill my family.”

On the day of the incident, Alexander Junior noticed smoke seeping through a crack in his bedroom door. As the situation escalated with more smoke arising from the top of the stairs, he saw his father with a disposable lighter in hand.

It was noted that Reape had set fire to bedding in each bedroom. His son attempted to evacuate the building with him, but Reape resisted. Eventually, his son managed to drag him out, though Reape returned inside shortly after.

In a frantic effort, Alexander Junior, with the help of two neighbors, broke into the house to finally bring Reape out to the street. Following his arrest, Reape again claimed that he was urged by demonic voices.

Upon evaluation by a psychiatrist, it was determined that Reape was conscious of his actions and their consequences. The damage to the property, owned by a housing association, amounted to £91,368.

Reape’s defense attorney described the incident as “highly unusual behavior” and noted it was “remarkable that someone would act in this manner.” The lawyer, Jonathan Crowe, stated that while Reape was ready to face imprisonment, he still needed professional help.

During the pre-sentencing, discussions about alternative punishments took place. However, Judge Hughes acknowledged the complex nature of the case but decided imprisonment was necessary.

He concluded by stating to Reape, “It is only by good fortune that this is not a far more serious case.”