Arsonist in wait to discover his fate
AMAN who destroyed a terraced home during an arson attack will be sentenced after a psychiatric assessment is carried out.
Anthony Dickinson appeared at Preston Crown Court on May 12 to be sentenced after starting a fire at a house in Queen Street, Oswaldtwistle, on May 15 last year.
The fire started just before 5.10pm and when firefighters attended they had to evacuate vulnerable occupants from neighbouring houses.
The house was left ‘completely gutted’ by the fire with little property salvageable.
Dickinson was arrested and later charged with arson - reckless as to whether life was endangered. The 54-year-old pleaded guilty at a court hearing in October of last year and Dickinson was initially due to be sentenced this January but the judge ordered a presentence report be carried out.
Judge Richard Gioserano said he was not prepared to sentence without a psychiatric report as Dickinson, from Oswaldtwistle, had as yet failed to explain why he had started the fire.
“I am not prepared to sentence before giving you the opportunity of obtaining a psychiatric report if only for it to be confirmed there is no mental disorder in you which played a part in this offence,” the judge said.
“Even though you have pleaded guilty you are not advancing any explanation for your behaviour. Clearly drink has played its part but there may be more to know here.”
The judge also asked for further details about damage caused to the neighbouring properties and the financial cost of the damage to the house.
Dickinson, who is in custody at Preston Prison, will return to Preston Crown Court on July 16 to be sentenced.