Man threatened to torch girlfriend's house - court hears (From South Wales Argus)

Man threatened to torch girlfriend's house - court hears

5:11pm Friday 16th May 2008

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A CWMBRAN man threatened to burn his girlfriend's house down after a row, a court heard.

Andrew Hall, 34, left but returned, set fire to a jumper and tried to push it through the letterbox, Newport crown court was told.

Hall of Newton Wynd, Fairwater, Cwmbran, was jailed for 15 months after pleading guilty to a charge of arson.

Judge David Morris told him: "This was potentially a very dangerous incident. It is a serious offence and only immediate imprisonment is justified."

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees said Hall and Sandra Morris had had a relationship which by last October had begun to peter out.

Mr Rees said: "She is an alcoholic and on October 5 he went to her home at Short Path, Fairwater, and there was an argument concerning her drinking. When he left she threw after him a jumper he had bought her."

Mr Rees said Hall returned later and he left again after a further argument.

He had threatened to burn down the house.

Mr Rees said: "He picked up the jumper, set fire to it and tried to push it through the letterbox which caused damage to the front door."

A neighbour, said Mr Rees, saw the incident and help to put out the blaze.

No accelerant was used and the fire service was not called.

Hall, the court, heard, had two previous convictions for robbery and for causing damage.

Hall's counsel, Hilary Roberts, said: "He didn't try to hide anything and has shown complete remorse. He accepts his wrongdoing and his attitude bodes well for the future."

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