Ballina man escapes jail for arson attack on neighbour

Ballina man escapes jail for arson attack on neighbour


A BALLINA man who tried to burn his neighbours door received a 12 month suspended sentence at last week’s sitting of Castlebar Circuit Court.
Joseph Lawrence of 6 Tyrawley Terrace, Ballina pleaded guilty to to the charge of arson of the house of Loretta Mangan and her son, Gerry who live nearby at Lord Edward Street, Ballina on May 12, 2013.
Facts in the case were heard last June and sentencing was adjourned until last week’s sitting to monitor Mr Lawrence’s progress as alcohol had played a major role in the offence and the majority of his 46 previous convictions.
The court had heard that the incident occurred around 3.17am and caused extensive damage to the front door, which had been targeted in a similar incident two weeks previously. The incident had a harrowing effect on the injured party, who was terrified it would happen again.
Detective Gerry Lee told last week’s sitting that Mr Lawrence has behaved himself and was off the drink and ‘looking particularly well’.
Mr Connolly said there was a radical change in his client’s lifestyle and had dedicated himself 100 percent to deal with his alcohol issues. He said he lived with his elderly mother and brother and was a carer for them. He said there was no justification for what happened but the offence was committed following  an alleged derogatory remark against his brother who suffers from a disability.
The court was told that the fire caused €2,000 in damage to the door but the victim did not want any compensation. Mr Connolly said his client had €500 in compensation in court.
Judge Rory MacCabe sentenced Mr Lawrence to 12 months imprisonment but suspended the sentence for a period of two years and ordered that he remains under the supervision of the probation service for 12 months. He also ordered that €500 be paid to the Irish Red Cross.