Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 3:00pm

NO JAIL, NO FINE, NO COMPO

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COURT: Dave Barclay

A RUTHLESS cafe owner who burned out his rival's burger van was not even given a fine when he was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday).

Not surprisingly, evil David Barclay said he was "pleased" with the decision, while his victim, Linda Cunningham, has been left wondering where was the justice.

He was caught red-handed burning down Linda's snack van, causing around £10,000 of damage.

Barclay, 63, could have faced up to 12 months in prison for destroying Souper Snax on Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir.

But he was not jailed, fined or even ordered to pay his victim compensation.

Instead he was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service.

Sheriff Graham Johnston turned down a request by the Crown to have Barclay pay damages to Souper Snax owner, Linda Cunningham.

Barclay, who runs Dave's Place in Dalmuir, set fire to the van at 4am on January 5 and was arrested at the scene - he pleaded guilty to wilful fireraising the following day.

Linda, 55, said she is "very disappointed" by the sentencing as she has had to kit out a new van with her own money, and feels the dangerous way in which Barclay acted was not fully appreciated by the sheriff.