A MAN from Gwynedd who started a fire at his own home has been jailed.

Marcus Rahilly, 51, of Green Terrace, Trefor, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at Mold Crown Court today (June 17).

He had been convicted after trial of arson with intent to endanger life.

READ MORE:

‘Distressed’ girl on Anglesey coast prompts rescue operation

Bangor physiotherapist appointed MBE in birthday honours list

Judge Niclas Parry sentenced Rahilly in his absence this morning after he refused to leave his cell, having been remanded in custody.

Shortly after 3am on October 11, 2023, Rahilly used a flame to light a pile of clothing he had amassed in a home on Green Terrace.

Rahilly was the tenant at the housing association property, left the building after starting the fire.

Less than two minutes later, the fire alarm started sounding. A neighbour heard the alarm and went inside where she discovered the spreading fire.

She quickly alerted the fire service, who were able to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading through the whole terrace of houses, protecting other residents who lived there.

Neighbouring properties had to be evacuated, while Rahilly was also said to have been abusive to police officers who attended.

A loss to the public purse of roughly £12,700 was incurred as a result of the incident.

“To do that in a mid-terraced property caused inevitable and real risk to the occupants of other houses,” Judge Parry said.

With 40 previous convictions for 105 offences, including 15 for criminal damage, Judge Parry said Rahilly has an “appalling record”.

He accepted the impact of Rahilly’s “undoubted mental health issues” – he did not have legal representation at his trial, but he had a support worker who was present.

In addition to his prison sentence, Rahilly was ordered to pay a statutory surcharge.

Following Rahilly’s sentencing, Detective Sergeant Jamie Atkinson, of North Wales Police, said: “This was a reckless and dangerous incident in which a deliberate fire was set in a mid-terraced house.

“It was only due to the courageous and quick actions of a nearby resident that no-one was harmed.

“If the fire had been left longer, there would have been much more serious consequences.”