A St Helens man was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after setting fire to his garden shed during a mental health breakdown, with police finding him inside the burning shed holding a lit blow torch. The incident occurred on October 31, 2024, while his partner and children were in the house.
The judge deemed the arson a serious offense but took into account the time the man had already spent in custody as a punitive sanction. The defendant, Ian Wright, appeared via video link from custody and received a suspended sentence.
Prosecuting barrister David Polglase outlined the events leading to the arson, stating that Wright’s partner had contacted the police about his mental health breakdown. Upon arrival, the police found Wright inside the shed with a significant fire behind him, holding a blowtorch-type implement.
Wright, who had six previous convictions for criminal damage, had no recollection of the incident when interviewed. His defense lawyer, Stephen McNally, highlighted that the shed was his refuge and that the incident was out of character, likely due to a change in medication rather than malicious intent.
McNally requested the judge for a sentence that would secure Wright’s release, emphasizing his client’s improved stability during his time in custody. The judge, Robert Trevor-Jones, acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but noted Wright’s low risk of re-offending and the positive changes he had shown.
Judge Trevor-Jones handed Wright a 12-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, with a requirement for 30 sessions of rehabilitation activity. The judge commended Wright’s neighbors for describing him as a helpful and kind neighbor despite the incident.
The court recognized Wright’s troubled childhood experiences contributing to his mental health issues and the difficulties he faced with his medication regime. The judge emphasized Wright’s realization of the consequences of his actions and his progress towards improvement.
Overall, the sentencing aimed to balance accountability with rehabilitation, considering Wright’s circumstances and the impact of his actions on his family and community. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health crises and the importance of tailored support and interventions in such situations.
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