Chesterfield arsonist urinated on his blazing trainers

An arsonist has been spared jail after he set fire to his trainers in his flat and then urinated on them to try and put out the blaze.
Chesterfield Magistrates' Court.Chesterfield Magistrates' Court.
Chesterfield Magistrates' Court.

Derby Crown Court recently heard how Liam Robotham, 20, formerly of Kingsley Avenue, Chesterfield, admitted committing arson and criminal damage.

Prosecuting barrister Sonal Ahya said: “The fire service were called to this defendant’s rented flat after a neighbour called them about some smoke coming from an open window.

“He had told them he had seen the defendant leave and when he challenged him about the smoke he said he had burnt some toast.

“The neighbour said there had been a lengthy party there for two to three days.

“There was a fire investigation and experts confirmed that the fire had been started deliberately.”

Robotham also admitted to police he had caused £700 of damage by ripping out electrics.

Miss Ahya added: “He said he set fire to his trainers while showing off and then urinated on them.”

Robotham pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and to criminal damage after the incident in November, 2013.

Roger Wilson, defending, said: “He was living a chaotic, independent lifestyle.”

Judge John Burgess sentenced Robotham to a 19 months of custody suspended for 15 months and ordered him to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

He told Robotham: “Back in November 2013, you were living on your own and it was a completely chaotic lifestyle. I have seen photos of your flat and it was a tip. You not only trashed it, you set fire to your trainers when you were drunk showing off to a friend. Arson is a reckless offence because fire spreads and could put lives at risk.”

Related topics: