Arsonist repeatedly tried to torch his seventh-floor flat in Leeds tower block
Mentally-ill man who repeatedly attempted to torch his seventh-floor flat in cries for help is locked up
A man who claims he has undiagnosed PTSD has been jailed for attempting to set fire to his flat in a block where scores of other people live.
Ashley Keenan admitted arson reckless as to whether life was endangered from December of last year at Rycroft Court in Bramley.
Leeds Crown Court was told the 32-year-old had lived on the seventh floor of the eleven-floor tower block. Neighbours later said he had previously attempted to start fires in June and September of last year.
Then at 2.47am on December 20, he dialled 999 while intoxicated, telling them he was having a breakdown and that he had bipolar and PTSD.
Then shortly after 3pm later the same day he began to call again and told them: “I may as well set my flat alight.”
The operator attempted to calm him down as the emergency services were deployed.
They arrived at 5pm and found Keenan standing in the doorway to the building, shouting. Seven fire engines arrived, prosecutor David Outterside said.
It was found he had torched his curtains and cushions under the window.
During his police interview he claimed he had been broken into and could not remember saying he would start a fire. He denied starting the blaze and said drug dealers were after him.
He has 12 convictions for 22 offences including robbery, burglary and for violence. He is on recall until July 25 this year.
Mitigating, Martin Morrow said Keenan was “realistic” that he was facing a new jail sentence. He said there was “genuine remorse” and had been “over reliant” on alcohol and drugs to combat his mental-health problems.
Mr Morrow said Keenan had been targeted by drug dealers but added: “He always accepted he was only person who started the fire. He apologises unreservedly for his behaviour on that night in question.”
Judge Alex Menary jailed Keenan for 40 months.