MAN SET LIGHT TO BEDDING IN EX-PARTNER'S HOME
A man under the influence of alcohol carried out a threat to torch his partner’s home after she left following an argument last year.According to Durham Crown Court, the fire was set in a bedroom at a rented residence in Leadgate near Consett, and Ryan Atkinson departed the scene without alerting authorities.
He had previously threatened to set the house ablaze when his partner left to visit her mother's home following their dispute on Saturday, October 7.
Court records indicated that the couple had argued upon returning to her residence on Ash Crescent after a drinking session in Consett.
After she moved out, Atkinson sent abusive text messages and made phone calls, challenged another male friend of hers to a fight, issued threats of violence, and threatened to burn her house down.
It was only when her family arrived to retrieve nappies and clothing for her children that they noticed thick black smoke billowing from the property.
Efforts to extinguish the fire with pans of water failed, prompting them to call emergency services.
Jonathan Gittins, prosecuting, stated that a neighbour was summoned because of fears that the fire might spread.
Firefighters managed to put out the blaze, and upon inspection, it was evident that the fire had been deliberately ignited in the main bedroom using an open flame at the base of a bed.
The damage was significant, with the bedroom ceiling burned through and roof timbers affected, raising concerns that the fire could have spread to adjoining buildings if unattended.
Atkinson was detained later but did not respond when police questioned him.
During a plea hearing on November 7, the 22-year-old, who was without a fixed address, admitted to arson which involved recklessness as to whether anyone's life might be endangered and sending offensive communications.
The case was adjourned for the preparation of a background report by the Probation Service and a psychiatric assessment before sentencing.
By the time of the hearing on Wednesday, March 27, the psychiatric report had not been completed, but Atkinson's lawyer argued that the probation report was sufficient to proceed.
A victim statement from his former partner was read, detailing how the fire affected her and her children’s lives.
She explained that they lost most belongings and, lacking home insurance, had to fund replacements from her earnings.
They moved into her mother’s cramped one-bedroom bungalow, which was inadequate.
Legal representatives mentioned that Atkinson had been in custody for a lengthy period since admitting the charges and recognised the impact of alcohol and drugs on his actions.
His lawyer described his behaviour as a result of a 'maelstrom' and expressed remorse, noting his engagement with rehabilitation services and the minimal nature of his previous convictions, mostly impulsive acts under substance influence.
Judge Nathan Adams told Atkinson: “You took issue with your soon-to-be former partner and she left, so you continued the argument by way of threats in messages and voice calls, threatening to kill the person she was with and burn down her house.
“You proceeded to do exactly that, starting a fire and leaving it completely out of control.
“It was not a detached property and the fire service took the view had they not got there when they did and took control, it would have spread to the neighbouring property.
“Quite clearly, this was dangerous conduct and the consequences could have been much worse.
“I accept you had not intended those consequences.” The judge sentenced Atkinson to five years in prison and imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex-partner for ten years.
