An arsonist who gutted a neighbour’s Carlisle home after smashing it up has been handed a six-year jail term.
The city’s crown court heard today how the occupant of that property, and his young daughter, went on a family trip to Blackpool on August 6.
Against a background of aggravation over several months, 39-year-old Sebastian Renard broke into their empty courtyard address, off Brampton Old Road on Carlisle’s outskirts, the following day.
He ransacked the home, stole personal belongings and set fire to a blanket which then went out of control and spread.
Firefighters who attended saw the courtyard was glowing red from the light of the blaze.
Ceilings and floors had collapsed, and there was extensive fire and smoke damage. Firefighters bravely entered and were initially unsure whether anyone was inside. They were able to make contact with the occupant in Blackpool.
In an impact statement the man said: “I cannot even begin to put into words how much this crime has impacted me and my family. I find it hard to imagine what would have happened if me and my daughter had been inside the house.”
His daughter suffered nightmares in the aftermath. “She has had to cope with seeing all her teddy bears and toys burned which is completely heartbreaking. The whole experience feels surreal,” he said.
“That home that we both knew and loved has been completely burnt out. Me and my daughter literally had the clothes we were wearing and the items we went to Blackpool with.
The financial impact, the man also said, had been phenomenal, as there was no insurance for damage to items inside the house which amounted to tens of thousands of pounds.
Renard later told police he had gone there to confront the man and been frustrated he was not present.
“He stated he was going in there just to create havoc,” said prosecutor Tariq Khawam of Renard, who described taking 10 Valium tablets beforehand.
Renard had been candid with police. He admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and also burglary. He asked for other matters, including three separate burglaries, to be taken into consideration.
A barrister representing Renard said he was remorseful for what he had done, and was not in a rational state of mind at the time.
Judge Nicholas Barker concluded that heavily-convicted Renard, previously of Brampton Old Road, Carlisle, should be formally deemed a dangerous offender who posed a risk of causing harm to the public by committing serious future offences.
Renard was given a six-year prison sentence, of which he must serve at least two-thirds before being considered for parole, and an extended two-year licence period.
“It is clear, in my judgement, this was an act of retribution by you towards (the man) to, as it were, inflict harm upon him because of your perceived aggravation,” Judge Barker told him.
