Arsonist who attacked ex-girlfriend's home jailed

Christopher Bertram admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered

An arsonist who set fire to his ex-girlfriend's home has been jailed for three years.

Christopher Bertram, 43, caused extensive damage to the mid-terraced home in Stanley, Count Durham, in August, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The victim said she was now on the waiting list for a new house as she had been unable to return to her home.

Bertram, of Palmer Street in Stanley, admitted committing arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and criminal damage.

Bertram and the woman had been in a relationship for six months but it ended acrimoniously earlier this year, prosecutor Deborah Smithies said.

At about 11:30 BST on 31 August, Bertram smashed his way into her mid-terrace home and started a fire in the living room, the court heard.

Fortunately neighbours saw what he did and were able to call the fire brigade.

History of abuse

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she had been left without a home which had caused "a lot of emotional distress".

She said had lived happily at the house and Bertram had had a "massive effect" on her life.

In mitigation, Calum McNicholas claimed Bertram was now clear of drugs and had found faith with a new religion.

Judge Richard Bennett said Bertram, who had a history of committing domestic abuse, had felt a "grudge" and was drunk when he launched the attack.

He said the fact Bertram had taken a water bottle containing petrol to the scene showed premeditation and planning and, if the fire had spread, many people living on the terraced street could have been endangered.