Bin arsonist judged unfit to stand trial
A man who repeatedly set fire to rubbish bins outside a Nelson fish and chip shop has been released without punishment.
The 27-year-old, who has permanent name suppression, was released by Judge Tony Zohrab in the Nelson District Court on Monday after reports found him mentally unfit to stand trial.
Judge Zohrab opted not to order compulsory treatment for the Nelson man, as he already had ‘‘stabilising influences’’, including a support person and employment.
‘‘It would be counterproductive, for example, to be made a compulsory care recipient and live out of the area,’’ Judge Zohrab said.
‘‘You don’t appear to have a strong antisocial attitude, and you’re sincere in your expression of shame and remorse, so there are a number of positive matters and positive supports.’’
The man faced arson-related charges arising from three incidents at the end of 2018 and the start of 2019, where he used a lighter to set fire to a Nelson City Council rubbish bin outside the Alton St fish and chip shop.
The first occasion was on November 29, 2018 at 11.35pm; the second and third occasions were in the early hours of January 16 and 22 this year.
The first two incidents saw the rubbish bin engulfed in flames until the plastic melted on to the pavement.
On the third occasion, however, the man was interrupted by an Armourguard employee who was returning to his vehicle. The man fled, but the Armourguard employee was able to extinguish the fire before the rubbish bin could be destroyed.
Judge Zohrab released the man on the basis of the report into his mental health. He ordered the permanent suppression of his name, to allow him to keep both his job and community support.