A CARLISLE arsonist has been warned he could receive a prison sentence for damaging two cars by fire on a residential city street.
Ryan Thompson, 21, was charged following a late night crime which occurred on Buchanan Road in Currock on February 10 last year.
When he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (FRI), Thompson admitted one offence of arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered.
The charge states that, on that date, he damaged by fire both a Seat Ibiza and a Renault Clio which belonged to two different women. The charge further says Thompson did so “intending to destroy or damage such property, or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged; and being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered”.
Clare Thomas, defending, told the court: “I have spoken to the defendant. It became apparent he had some mental health difficulties.”
Judge Peter Davies adjourned the case in view of a request that a psychiatric report be prepared on Thompson, of Durranhill Road, Carlisle.
Thompson is due to receive his punishment at the crown court in mid-March, when a probation service pre-sentence report will also be considered.
Judge Davies granted him conditional bail until then, but warned: “You must expect that because we’re talking about arson, and recklessness as to endanger life, there will be a prison sentence, do you understand?”
