Arsonist gets prison release

A Georgetown man who lit an ex-girlfriend’s apartment on fire and forced the evacuation of the building will have conditions imposed on his release from prison.

Jeffery Douglas Burke has been serving a sentence of three years, one month and 17 days for arson after the 2013 incident in Stratford.

The National Parole Board recently released a report dealing with Burke’s statutory release, including what conditions would be necessary to protect the public and help with his reintegration into society.

Burke pleaded guilty to setting fire to several pieces of furniture in his former girlfriend’s apartment while he was under the influence of drugs.

At the time, Burke broke into the apartment and got mad when she didn’t return home in the middle of the night.

The fire caused $200,000 in damage to the building and forced several people out of their apartments, including one tenant who had to be rescued from a third-floor balcony.

In 2009 Burke was also convicted of assaulting a former girlfriend when he grabbed her by the throat and held her to the floor in what the board called a fit of rage while under the influence.

As part of his release, Burke must refrain from using drugs that aren’t prescribed or taken over the counter and he is not to consume, buy or possess alcohol.

Burke is to avoid anyone he knows is involved in criminal activity.

The board also required Burke to report all sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with women.