He thought he had put it out before he went shopping
Serious damage estimated at more than £40,000 was caused when an ex-pub landlord set fire to his own flat, causing a “scary” blaze that “could have been much worse”. Other flats in the block were also badly affected and the whole building had to be evacuated.
Even a car parked outside was damaged after windows suddenly blew out, showering debris on top of the Ford Fiesta, and major repair work, rewiring and decorating had to be carried out on the flats, Hull Crown Court heard. Aaron Hardy, 44, of Dayton Road, near Priory Road, Hull, admitted arson and causing criminal damage on July 14.
Oliver Shipley, prosecuting, said that Hardy lived, at the time, in a block of flats in Wolfreton Court, Anlaby, and there had been no previous issues with him as a tenant. On the day of the incident, he started a fire inside his first-floor flat.
He later seemingly thought better of it and believed that he had extinguished the fire before going out to a shop in Anlaby. When he returned, the flat was “by then ablaze” and the building was evacuated at 5.35pm.
Damage estimated at £40,050 was caused. Windows blew out and a woman’s Ford Fiesta car parked outside was dented and damaged from debris and ash.
Hardy was arrested at the scene and he admitted causing the fire but he later claimed that he acted on impulse. “Clearly, it was no small blaze,” said Mr Shipley.
“It’s made substantial damage to the property.” The bathroom of Hardy’s flat was badly damaged. A charge of arson with intent to endanger life was dropped by the prosecution.
The owner of the property later said that the fire ruined his holiday. “I just can’t understand why Hardy has done what he has done,” he said. “It’s quite scary that someone would do this.” Other flats, including below, were affected and it was fortunate that the whole building did not go up in flames. The owner of the car said that it was “scary” and “could have been much worse”.
The property had to be cleared out and there had to be full electrical rewiring as well as plastering and rebuilding walls. A brand new bathroom had to be installed in the flat, new windows were needed and all woodwork had to be replaced.
New heating systems had to be put in and there was full redecoration, including in the other flats. The £40,050 cost was still outstanding.
Gabrielle Coates, mitigating, said that Hardy set fire to a bundle of clothes in his bedroom. “He admitted starting the fire and gave a full account in interview,” said Miss Coates.
Hardy was initially remanded in custody on July 14 before being bailed on August 26, with a curfew. “He attempted to extinguish the fire,” said Miss Coates.
“He believed that he had extinguished the fire with a mattress before he left the flat and he believed that the fire brigade had attended. He did make attempts to minimise the effects of the fire.”
Hardy had previously suffered from a long history of alcohol problems and the offence happened at a time when he had stopped drinking for four or five days, meaning difficulties were caused from this withdrawal from alcohol. “He clearly is remorseful and has taken steps to address his addiction and his offending behaviour,” said Miss Coates.
Hardy had been the landlord of various bars, including the Priory pub in Priory Road, in the past. “He only drinks occasionally now,” said Miss Coates. He had no previous convictions.
Hardy was given 15 days’ rehabilitation and he was ordered to pay a £114 victims’ surcharge.