Drunken man unable to recall arson

A JILTED man who set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s house has been jailed for three years.

Alan Wharmby (26), of Elm Road, Limeside, pushed a lighted piece of kitchen towel through Melanie Adamson’s letter box in the the early hours of May 10 while she on holiday.

But Emma O’Toole, a friend who was looking after the house in Oak Road, smelled smoke and managed to put out the small fire.

Wharmby, who had been drinking, was later found asleep in the garden of his home, only a few streets away. He had with him a lighter and kitchen towel.

Michael Brady, prosecuting, said: “When the defendant was interviewed, he said he had no recollection of the fire.

“But had it not been for the behaviour of Miss O’Toole, things could have been a lot worse.”

Wharmby originally pleaded not guilty to the offences but was later found guilty of arson by a jury.

John Wishart, defending, said of Wharmby: “He had no recollection of the offence whatsoever. Whether that is mitigation or not is up to your honour.

“The defendant wasn’t trying to pull the wool over the jury’s eyes.”

Wharmby had previous convictions for violence to ex-partners. He attacked an ex-girlfriend with a meat cleaver in 2004 and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Foster QC, said: “If you had no recollection of the offence it was due to drinking alcohol which made you potentially dangerous, just as you were in 2004 when you attacked another partner.

“In prison I hope you learn the damaging effect of alcohol.”