'Serious risk to the public: Serial arsonist jailed at last
A serial fire raiser who started a blaze in a flat he shared with his mother, then texted her to say 'I've set fire to the flat', has been jailed for more than four years.
Barman Jordan Paterson was branded a 'serious risk to the public' by Judge Mark Eades after the defendant admitted setting the fire inside the block of flats - his third arson attack.
Stafford Crown Court heard how Paterson had been drunk and in a state of 'high emotion' when he returned to the flat and used a cigarette lighter to set fire to a shoe which he put behind the front door.
He then went to a nearby hotel and texted his mother: "I've set fire to the flat" and that she should call the fire brigade, Mr Richard Franck, prosecuting, said.
When his mother returned home fire crews were dealing with the blaze.
Paterson, aged 20, of Eccleshall Road, Stafford admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Judge Eades told him: "I have concluded you present a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public by specified offences, in particular arson - this is your third one."
The court heard that in January 2012 Paterson was put under supervision for setting fire to curtains in a care home. In July last year he was given a 12-week suspended sentence for setting fire to a skip in Stafford town centre.
The judge gave him four years in young offender custody for the arson at the flat.
He also ordered that Paterson should be on licence for a further three years after the end of the sentence.
Mr Franck said the blaze at the flat was started by the defendant on February 21 this year. After finishing his shift as a barman at the Holmcroft pub, he stayed there drinking with his mother and her friend.
He left at about 11.30pm, followed 15 minutes later by his mother, but during that short time he had started the fire with a shoe. It caused extensive damage to the communal area in the block of six flats, around £1,500 worth and damage to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom of the flat.
Paterson was in the drive of Tillington Hall Hotel, waiting to be arrested. He told the police he couldn't remember starting the fire and apologised for doing it. He said he was in the pub and the next thing he recalled was being in the police station.
Mr Paul Hiatt, defending, said Paterson had been offered a place at university on a business management course, but knew he would not be going.
